Researchers have skillfully reconstructed the skull of a great ape, which, although well-preserved, exhibited signs of damage.
The skull belonged to Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, an ancient species that lived around 12 million years ago.
The skull was digitally reconstructed by scientists from the American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn College, and the Catalan Institute of Paleontology Miquel Crusafont.
This skull fossil is incredibly unique in the fossil record
In 2004, the existence of this species was first documented based on remains found in northeastern Spain.
It is considered one of a diverse group of now-extinct ape species that dominated parts of Europe some 15 to 7 million years ago.
Pierolapithecus catalaunicus provides a window into the evolutionary past of great apes and ancient humans.
