This specimen is an almost complete upper palate with complete tooth rows, including the Canine to M3 on both the left and right sides. This specimen was found at the Tinderet site of Songhor in Western Kenya and is the type specimen of Rangwapithecus gordoni. Louis Leakey discovered the specimen in 1966. Rangwapithecus is known from the Tinderet localities of Songhor and Kapurtay which are dated to approximately 20 mya. Rangwapithecus gordoni is characterized by elongated lower lower molars, and upper molars with a nearly continuous bead-like cingulum. Well developed shearing crests on both the lower and upper molars. The tall and slender lower incisors indicate that Rangwapithecus gordoni was adapted for a folivorous(leaf rich)diet. Based on tooth dimensions, Rangwapithecus gordoni is similar in size to Proconsul africanus which is also found at Songhor.
Rangwapithecus gordoni
Rangwapithecus gordoni Age approx. 20.00 Million Years
Digital Capture: Structured Light Scanner 0 Comments Order: Primates Family: Hominioidea Genus: Rangwapithecus Species: gordoni Element: Maxilla Locality: Tinderet, Songhor, Western Kenya Year of Discovery: 1966 Other Fossils to View |