Newly Discovered Tiny Ape Species Coexisted with Larger Hominid in Prehistoric Europe

The 11-million-year-old fossils reveal an unexpected diversity of ancient primates at the Hammerschmiede site in Germany.

Researchers identified the new species, Buronius manfredschmidi, from fossilized teeth and a kneecap.
Buronius, weighing about 20 pounds, lived alongside the larger Danuvius guggenmosi.
The two species likely coexisted due to different dietary habits, with Buronius eating leaves and Danuvius consuming a varied diet.
The findings challenge the notion that ancient hominid diversity was confined to Africa, highlighting Europe’s role in primate evolution.
Skepticism remains among some scientists about whether the fossils represent distinct species or juvenile forms of Danuvius.