What is now China was once home to giant apes

The research showed that the environment about 2.3 million years ago was ideal for these creatures. But about 600,000 years ago, the environment became less stable, leading to a change in plant types. Many primates were able to easily adapt to the new conditions, but gigantopithecines couldn’t find enough food during dry periods.

Their enormous size proved to be a fatal disadvantage for them, because flexibility and adaptability are essential in times of change.