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Function, Phylogeny, and Fossils pp 291–316Cite as

Phyletic Affinities and Functional Convergence in Dryopithecus and Other Miocene and Living Hominids

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Part of the book series: Advances in Primatology ((AIPR))

Abstract

Dryopithecus provides a good case history illustrating the disagreement and confusion over Miocene hominoid systematics described in the introduction to this volume. Dryopithecus is currently known from well-preserved maxilla and other portions of the cranium, from larger numbers of isolated teeth, and from well-preserved postcrania, mostly from Hungary (Rudabánya) and Spain (Can Llobateres and Can Ponsic). It is for the most part fossils from Spain and Hungary that permit a more detailed analysis of the functional anatomy and phylogenetic affinities of Dryopithecus. In this chapter we will briefly review the anatomy of Dryopithecus in comparison with other hominoids. The functional and behavioral implications of this anatomy will be briefly discussed and a phylogenetic alternative chosen on the basis of functional and phylogenetic criteria (see introduction to the volume and below). The implications for the evolution of hominid dietary and positional behavior will be discussed.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G3, Canada

    David R. Begun

  2. The Hungarian Geological Museum, H-1143, Budapest, Hungary

    László Kordos

Authors
  1. David R. Begun
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  2. László Kordos
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, M5S 3G3, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

    David R. Begun

  2. Anthropology and Pathology & Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, 65211, Columbia, Missouri, USA

    Carol V. Ward

  3. Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Injury Science, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, 07103, Newark, New Jersey, USA

    Michael D. Rose

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Begun, D.R., Kordos, L. (1997). Phyletic Affinities and Functional Convergence in Dryopithecus and Other Miocene and Living Hominids. In: Begun, D.R., Ward, C.V., Rose, M.D. (eds) Function, Phylogeny, and Fossils. Advances in Primatology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0075-3_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-0075-3_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-0077-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-0075-3

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