This anatomical illustration depicts the reconstructed skeleton of Proconsul africanus, an extinct primate species that lived during the Miocene epoch in East Africa. Proconsul africanus is considered an early ancestor of both monkeys and apes, showcasing a mix of arboreal and terrestrial adaptations. The skeletal structure highlights key evolutionary traits, including limb proportions, a flexible spine, and grasping hands and feet, which suggest a primarily tree-dwelling lifestyle with some quadrupedal locomotion. This illustration is significant for studies in paleoanthropology, primate evolution, and Miocene fossil discoveries.

Illustrated by Carol Hrejsa, CMI for Body Scientific International. © 2021 Sage Publishing