First true primates emerged during PETM 56 million years ago. The earliest true primates appear around 56 million years ago during the PETM (Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum) The PETM was a period of rapid global warming 5-8°C over a few thousand years During the PETM, the Arctic had subtropical swamps with palm trees and crocodiles as far north as Saskatchewan

Around 56 million years ago, rapid global warming sparked the PETM. Early primates like the tiny Archicebus (from China, weighing under 1 oz) spread across the Northern Hemisphere. Teilhardina and Cantius were other early primates with adaptations for climbing. 🌍🔥

Key Facts

  • The earliest true primates appear around 56 million years ago during the PETM (Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum)
  • The PETM was a period of rapid global warming 5-8°C over a few thousand years
  • During the PETM, the Arctic had subtropical swamps with palm trees and crocodiles as far north as Saskatchewan
  • Early primates like Aribbus (from China) weighed less than 1 ounce
  • Cantius and Talhardina are other early primates with adaptations for climbing
  • These early primates were widespread across the Northern Hemisphere
  • Finding earlier primates is difficult because features didn't evolve all at once and tiny animals fossilize poorly

Source: Who was our ancestor when the dinosaurs died? by Stefan Milo