unura

Unura is a genus of extinct langur monkeys that lived in Asia during the late Miocene and early Pliocene epochs. The genus name "Unura" comes from the Umborian deposits in China, where the first fossils were discovered.

Unura fossils were first described in 1975, and since then, several species have been identified. The genus is characterized by its primitive dental morphology and a relatively low-crowned, bunodont dentition. The species Unura tarangis was found in the Irdin Manha formation in Inner Mongolia, China, and is considered one of the oldest known members of the genus.

Studies of Unura fossils have provided valuable information about the evolution and diversity of langur monkeys in Asia. The genus is thought to have originated in the late Miocene, and its early members were likely adapted to a variety of environments, including tropical forests and grasslands. Over time, the genus evolved to occupy a range of ecological niches, resulting in a diverse array of species.

Unura fossils have been found in several countries, including China, India, and Pakistan. The most well-known fossil sites include the Badagh trench in Pakistan and the Lufeng faunal bed in China. The discovery of Unura species has shed light on the biological and paleoecological contexts of these fossil sites, contributing to our understanding of the evolution and history of langurs in Asia.