Pliopithecus had a similar size and form to modern gibbons, to which it may be related, although it is probably not a direct ancestor. It had long limbs, hands, and feet, and may have been able to brachiate, swinging between trees using its arms. Unlike gibbons, it had a short tail, and only partial stereoscopic vision.[1]
They appear to have originated in Asia and extended their range into Europe between 20 and 17 million years ago.[2]
Begun and Harrison list the following species within the genus:[2]
Pliopithecus antiquus has been referred to previously as P. piveteaui.[3]P. vindobonensis is sometimes considered to be a separate genus, Epipliopithecus.[4][2]Anapithecus is a close relative and was initially considered a subgenus of Pliopithecus.
References
^Palmer, D., ed. (1999). The Marshall Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Animals. London: Marshall Editions. p. 291. ISBN1-84028-152-9.
