Not to be confused with Gigantophis.
Gigantopithecus was the largest primate ever to walk the Earth, reaching more than twice the size of modern gorillas. This massive ape was like a cross between modern primates: It had a face like an orangutan's, but behaved like a gorilla. Though it must have been a scary sight-looking much like a prehistoric King Kong-this ape was probably only a threat to a stand of bamboo.
No Swings Attached: Gigantopithecus was a relative of modern orangutans. But this giant ape was too big to swing from trees like orangutans do. Scientists believe that Gigantopithecus was a ground dweller that probably walked on its knuckles, like modern gorillas.
Bamboozled: Fossil evidence shows that Gigantopithecus' teeth were lot like those of giant pandas. They were perfect for cutting and grinding tough, fibrous plants like bamboo-and they also had lots of cavities!
Ancient Chinese Secret[]
This giant ape would have towered over humans.
Throughout time, Chinese pharmacists used fossils they found in caves in traditional medicines. They called these special ingredients dragon teeth and claimed they could cure everything from a cold to caner. In 1935, a German scientist came across one of these dragon teeth, which he recognized as the molar of a primate-one that had never been seen before. Over the next four years, he found more teeth and jaws, proving the existence of a massive ape he called Gigantopithecus.
Three Strikes: Gigantopithecus' reliance on bamboo might have lead to its extinction. This plant periodically dies off, which would lead to starvation. The giant ape also competed for this limited food source with the giant panda and early humans, who used it to make tools.
It's Alive! Some people believe that Gigantopithecus is still alive. They theorize that it crossed the land bridge that once connected Asia with North America, where it is now known as Bigfoot.
Timeline[]
Gigantopithecus lived from 6.5 million to 300,000 years ago, during the Tertiary and Quaternary Periods.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The trading card has the Emerald Defense Power trait.
- It is the only primate in Monsters of the Past.
- The gigantopithecus is featured in Man & Beast on Monster Mania 65.
- The subheading "It's Alive!" is a reference to Frankenstein (particularly the 1931 movie), which Frankenstein's Monster comes from.
- It also shares this heading with the monster.
- Gigantopithecus's knowledge card is one of three to mention King Kong, along with Giant Ants and Mountain Gorilla.
- Gigantopithecus is the largest ape featured in the series, as well as overall out of all that have existed.
- Gigantopithecus was the original King Kong before the iconic film of 1933. That's 2 years before it's discovery.