auis

Auis are a species of extinct primates that lived during the Miocene epoch. They are known from a number of fossil finds in what is now Europe and Asia.

The name "auis" means "fruit-eater" in Latin, reflecting the diet of these ancient primates. Auis were small to medium-sized, with adults ranging in size from about 10 to 20 kilograms. They were plantigrade, meaning that they walked on the soles of their feet.

Physical characteristics of auis include a large cranium with a relatively short face. Their teeth were similar to those of modern primates, with a mix of grinding and shearing teeth. Auis also had a distinctive pelvis and femur that are similar in shape to those of modern monkeys.

Auis are considered to be closest relatives of modern monkeys and apes. They likely lived in forests and woodlands, feeding on a variety of fruits, leaves, and other plant matter. Some fossil finds suggest that auis may have been arboreal, spending at least part of their time in trees.

From fossil records, it appears that auis went extinct at the end of the Miocene epoch, which was a time of significant climate change and volcanic activity. Little is known about the exact circumstances of their extinction, but it is thought to have been related to these broader environmental changes.

Overall, auis provide an interesting glimpse into the evolution of primates and the ecosystems of the Miocene epoch. Despite their modest size and relatively simple social structure, auis were an important part of the ancient primate community.