Gigantopithecus
extinct genus of primate From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Gigantopithecus was the largest primate that ever existed[1]. It lived during the Pleistocene era (1.8 million to 10,000 years ago) when large mammals ruled the Earth. It is now extinct.
Gigantopithecus lived in what is now southern China and Indochina (mainland Southeast Asia).
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Size
Because the fossils we have are very incomplete, it is difficult for scientists to estimate how large Gigantopithecus was. It may have been up to 7 feet 7 inches tall when standing on its hind legs.[2] One estimate says it weighed roughly 440-660 pounds (200-300kg).[3] Others say it weighed up to 1,110-1,300 (500-600kg).[4][5][6]
In comparison, adult male gorillas stand only 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh about 136 to 195 kg (300 to 430 lbs). The largest gorilla ever recorded was 183 centimeters (6 feet) tall and weighed 267 kg (589 lbs). This is still smaller than a large gigantopithecus.
There is fossil evidence that Gigantopithecus displayed sexual dimorphism (males were much bigger than females).[3]
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Diet
Scientists think Gigantopithecus was a herbivore that ate fruits, leaves, and other forest plants.[7] It also ate tubers.[8]
It had a powerful jaw that could chew through hard foods. Its teeth could also withstand abrasive things like dirt from plants (like bamboo) it picked up off the ground to eat.[9] It probably did not eat savanna grasses.[10]
References
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