Long Before the Arrival of Humans, a Strange Little Primate Populated the Western United States

Besides being a spelling bee stumper, Ekgmowechashala likely descended from animals in China and somehow migrated to North America.

By Matt Hrodey
Nov 13, 2023 2:30 PMNov 13, 2023 2:31 PM
American monkey, last primate to inhabit North America before humans
Ekgmowechashala, the last primate to inhabit North America before humans. (Credit: Kristen Tietjen/KU Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

The first primates arrived in the Americas about 56 million years ago and prospered for a time, but it wasn’t to be.

They died out some 34 million years ago, after the Eocene-Oligocene extinction event, during which the planet became cooler and drier. Half of all mammal genera died around the globe.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.