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The extinction of the largest known primate, a giant ape from China, resulted from its struggle to adapt to environmental changes.
These findings fill a key gap in our understanding of why this species failed to survive where other, similar primates persisted.
Gigantopithecus blackiwas a species of great ape found in China between 2 million and 330 thousand years ago.
With an estimated height of 3 m and weight of 200–300 kg, it is thought to be the largest primate to ever exist on Earth.
The Gigantopithecus blacki is a single species of the extinct large ape, also known as Gigantopithecus.
This species roamed the southern regions of China between 2 million and 350,000 years ago.
It is the sole member of the genus Gigantopithecus.
With its robust teeth designed for masticating and grinding leaves and other plants, G. blacki was perfectly adapted for life in forest habitats.
This is one of the reasons why it was primarily a herbivore.
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