Khoratpithecus

Khoratpithecus is an extinct genus of pongin primates that lived during the Late Miocene (7–9 million years ago) in Myanmar and Thailand.

Three species belong to this genus:

• Khoratpithecus chiangmuanensis from Thailand <small>(Chaimanee, Jolly, Benammi, Tafforeau, Duzer, Moussa & Jaeger, 2003)</small> (formerly Lufengpithecus chiangmuanensis)
• Khoratpithecus piriyai from Thailand <small>Chaimanee, Suteethorn, Jintasakul, Vidthayanon, Marandat & Jaeger, 2004</small>
• Khoratpithecus ayeyarwadyensis from Myanmar <small>Jaeger, Soe, Chavasseau, Coster, Emonet, Guy, Lebrun, Maung, Shwe, Tun, Oo, Rugbumrung, Bocherens, Benammi, Chaivanich, Tafforeau & Chaimanee, 2011</small>

Palaeobiology

Stable isotopic analysis consisting of paired δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O measurements shows that K. ayeyarwadyensis inhabited the treetops of highly forested habitats and fed exclusively on C₃ vegetation. Dental microwear and dental topography both indicate that Khoratpithecus was frugivorous, preferring soft fruits over seeds and hard fruits.

See also

• Lufengpithecus
• Griphopithecus
• Sivapithecus

References