Algeripithecus

Algeripithecus
Temporal range: Early to Middle Eocene
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Primates
Suborder: Strepsirrhini
Family: Azibiidae
Genus: Algeripithecus
Godinot & Mahboubi, 1992
Species:
A. minutus
Binomial name
Algeripithecus minutus
Godinot & Mahboubi, 1992

Algeripithecus is an extinct genus of early fossil primate, weighing approximately 65 to 85 grams (2.3 to 3.0 oz). Fossils have been found in Algeria dating from 50 to 46 million years ago.

It was once commonly thought to be one of the oldest simian primates (a group that includes monkeys and apes), and was crucial to the hypothesis that simians originated in Africa. Research on more complete specimens suggest it was instead a strepsirrhine primate, more closely related to living lemurs and lorisoids. However, this is still disputed.