How did the largest ape to walk on Earth disappear?

The largest ape on earth is Gigantopithecus blackie. It weighed 300kg, was 3m tall, and unfortunately did not stand the test of time. Its existence is known thanks to four jaws and thousands of teeth found by paleontologists. However, the reason for his disappearance remained a mystery for decades.

The history of G. blacki is a paleontological mystery. How could such a powerful creature become extinct at a time when other primates were adapting and surviving? – Yingqi Zhang, a paleontologist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences

the J Blackie It lived two million years ago, when primates first appear in the fossil record. It is estimated that they became extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago.

Analysis of pollen grains before they disappear J BlackieShow how the forests of southern China changed from being dense and rich in water and fruit, to a drier landscape with sparse forests and grasslands. This appears to have been the beginning of the end for G. blacki, as dental analyzes showed that it failed to adapt to environmental change.

the J Blackie They were no more vulnerable or threatened by sparse forests, but their main food source, nutrient-rich fruits, was becoming harder to find.

the J Blackie It had a more specialized diet than its more adaptable relatives such as the orangutan, which eventually led to its extinction.

The study was published in nature.