The Giant Ape
Gigantopithecus was a massive ape that lived in Southeast Asia about 2 million to 300,000 years ago.
| Meaning | Giant ape [gigant-o-pithecus] |
| Pronunciation | jy-GAN-toe-PITH-eh-kus |
| When: | Miocene to Pleistocene (about 9 million–100,000 years ago) |
| Where: | Asia (China, India, Vietnam) |
| What: | Mammal (largest known primate) |
| Weight: | Estimated around 500 kg (1,100 pounds) |
| Length: | Estimated around 3 meters (10 feet) when standing |
| Diet: | Herbivorous (ate bamboo and other vegetation) |
| Discovered: | First described by Ralph von Koenigswald in 1935 |
Standing up to 10 feet tall and weighing as much as 1,200 pounds, Gigantopithecus was the largest ape that ever lived.
This giant ape roamed forests and bamboo groves, eating a diet mainly of plants, including fruits, seeds, and bamboo.
Despite its enormous size, Gigantopithecus was a gentle giant, using its strong jaws and teeth to munch on tough vegetation.
Imagine a giant, furry creature moving through ancient forests, towering over the other animals!