Orrorin
Orrorin tugenensis
👴🏻
Chordata
Mammalia
Primates
Catarrhini
Hominidae
Orrorin
Orrorin tugenensis
Orrorin means “original man” in the local Tugen language of Kenya, referencing its discovery in the Tugen Hills. The species epithet tugenensis simply indicates its origin from this region. Together, the name Orrorin tugenensis roughly translates to “original man from Tugen,” reflecting its perceived proximity to the dawn of the human lineage.
Orrorin tugenensis: The “Original Man” from Kenya’s Tugen Hills
Description
Orrorin tugenensis is one of the earliest known hominins, living around 6 million years ago in the woodlands of East Africa. Discovered in 2000, this small-bodied ape-like ancestor walked upright, at least part of the time, as evidenced by the shape of its femur—suggesting an early experiment in bipedalism. Yet, its arms and fingers retained features for climbing, implying a dual lifestyle between forest canopy and ground. Its teeth show thick enamel and moderate canine reduction, marking a dietary shift toward tougher fruits and plant materials.
Quick Facts
Max Mass
Shoulder Height
Standing Height
Length
Diet
Trophic Level
35
1.2
kg
m
m
m
Omnivore (frugivore with possible folivory)
Hunt History
No evidence exists of humans hunting Orrorin, of course—it predates our species by millions of years. However, it likely faced predation from large Miocene carnivores such as saber-toothed cats (Machairodus) and terrestrial crocodiles. These natural pressures may have favored its partial adaptation to upright walking as a means of vigilance and mobility.
Archaeological Examples:
Tugen Hills, Kenya (~6 Ma): Original femur and jaw fragments—type specimens of Orrorin tugenensis.
Lukeino Formation (~5.8–6 Ma): Partial humerus, teeth, and limb bones revealing a mosaic of arboreal and bipedal traits.
Cheboit and Kapsomin localities: Additional dental and postcranial remains confirming the species’ variability and early hominin status.
Time & Range
Extinction Status
Globally Extinct
Extinction Date
Temporal Range
Region
5700000
BP
6.1 to 5.7 million years ago
Tugen Hills, Kenya (East Africa)
Fat Analysis
Fatness Profile:
Fat %
Est. Renderable Fat
kg
Targeted Organs
Adipose Depots
Preferred Cuts
Hunt Difficulty (x/5)