Cementizie

Cementizie refers to a group of early hominins that lived in the Mediterranean region during the Late Miocene epoch, approximately 7 million years ago. The most well-known species within this group is *Oreopithecus bambolii*, whose fossils have been found primarily in Tuscany, Italy. These primates exhibited a unique combination of arboreal and terrestrial adaptations, suggesting a complex lifestyle.

One of the most debated aspects of cementizie is their locomotion. While *Oreopithecus* possessed adaptations for climbing, such as a relatively short, broad pelvis, it also showed some features that have been interpreted as adaptations for bipedalism. This has led to considerable discussion about the extent and nature of their upright posture. Their diet is believed to have consisted mainly of leaves, fruits, and possibly bark, based on dental wear patterns.

The evolutionary significance of cementizie is substantial because they represent a lineage that diverged from the ancestors of modern apes and humans relatively early. Their existence challenges previous notions about the geographic origins of hominin evolution, indicating that early primate diversification may have occurred in areas beyond Africa. The disappearance of cementizie coincides with significant environmental changes in the Mediterranean, including shifts in vegetation and climate, which likely played a role in their extinction. Understanding cementizie provides valuable insights into the mosaic evolution of primate traits and the broader evolutionary history of hominoids.