The first apes appeared in Africa about 7 million years ago. They are small, hairy creatures that eat fruit and live in trees. The earliest known ape species include Sahelanthropus tchadensis, Orrorin tugenensis, Ardipithecus ramidus and Australopithecus afarensis.Sahelanthropus tchadensis is the earliest known hominid, dating to about 7 million years ago. It was discovered in Chad, Africa. Sahelanthropus tchadensis has some ape-like and some human-like features. For example, it has an ape-like face, but it has a more upright gait.Orrorin tugenensis is a species of ape that lived about 6 million years ago. It was discovered in Kenya, Africa. Orrorin tugenensis has some ape-like and some human-like features. For example, it has long arms and legs, but it has ape-like teeth.Ardipithecus ramidus is a species of ape that lived about 4.4 million years ago. It was discovered in Ethiopia, Africa. Ardipithecus ramidus has some ape-like and some human-like features. For example, it has ape-like hands and feet, but it has a more upright gait.Australopithecus afarensis is a species of ape that lived about 3.9 million years ago. It was discovered in Ethiopia, Africa. Australopithecus afarensis is the most famous gibbon. It is the first known ape to walk upright. Australopithecus afarensis is also the first known ape to use tools.