Around 330,000 years ago, gigantic apes, as large as elephants, inhabited the forests of southern China. These massive creatures, known as Gigantopithecus blacki, mysteriously disappeared around 215,000 to 295,000 years ago. The enigmatic extinction of these giant apes has puzzled scientists for years, but a recent study published in Nature offers an explanation. Researchers have determined that Gigantopithecus went extinct due to an inability to adapt their eating habits and behavior to a rapidly changing climate.
The study, based on extensive evidence from 22 cave sites in southern China, challenges previous notions about ancient Amazonian cultures. Historically, these cultures were often considered primitive and incapable of building complex settlements. However, the recent discovery of 15 sites in the Amazon containing 6,000 structures, ancient roads, ceremonial complexes, and more, suggests a highly organized network of ancient Amazonian cities.
The breakthrough in understanding the extinction of Gigantopithecus came from meticulous dating and analysis of fossils, quartz, sediment, and pollen collected from the cave sites. Using six different dating techniques, the researchers established a narrow window for the extinction event, placing it between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago.
The study revealed that the landscape in which Gigantopithecus lived underwent a radical transformation around 600-300,000 years ago. The once-vibrant forest with abundant tree cover became patchy, open plains dotted with ferns and grasses. The climate, which had provided Gigantopithecus with a stable supply of preferred food and water throughout the year, became unpredictable, with water limited to the wet season.
As the environment changed, Gigantopithecus faced significant stress. Unlike their orangutan cousins, which were small and agile enough to travel in search of other food sources, the massive Gigantopithecus remained in their habitat and stuck to their existing diet. The scarcity of their favorite fruits forced them to switch to less nutritious options, likely barks, sticks, or whatever they could find on the ground. This less favorable diet led to malnourishment and dehydration among the apes.
The decline in population and chronic physical stress left marks on the fossilized teeth studied by the researchers. Eventually, the open environment and scarce food sources became untenable for Gigantopithecus, leading to their extinction.
The study’s findings draw parallels between the ancient extinction event and current challenges faced by ape habitats worldwide due to deforestation and climate change. The researchers emphasize the importance of understanding how species respond to environmental stressors to address ongoing biodiversity threats.
