Gigantopithecus--possible explanation for bigfoot "tall" tale

These ancient species could be found where China, India and Vietnam stand presently and date possibly all the way back to seven million years ago until 300,000 years ago.

Their long reign, though impressive, doesn't compare to its infamous height. The genus, Gigantopithecus, stood on average from seven to 12 feet tall, such as pictured at right, a reconstruction at the Museum of Man in San Diego, CA. This giant ape weighed anywhere from 1,200 pounds to one ton.

The genus is a hominoid, meaning it is grouped as a great ape as well as a hominid, which includes strictly bipedal species, or humans. The species is considered a great ape and close relative to modern humans. (These definitions are constantly at debate, but I use them here traditionally.)

It then includes three species of Gigantopithecus, though details of their differences have not yet been discovered. Its closest relative, it is believed, is the orangutan (note there is no 'g' at the end of orangutan, please pronounce it with diligence).

Gigantopithecus blacki is the most known species and is possibly the largest ape species that ever knuckle-walked this earth. Several jawbones have been found, mandibles, and many teeth.

Due to all the teeth found, scientists believe that Gigantopithecus had the same appetite as that of a giant panda. Cavities present in their molars, as they are found in the panda, suggest they ate bamboo, certain vegetables, and because of other wear and tear, seeds and fruits.

The extinction of the species is not quite known. Many suggest simple evolutionary terms and agreements as the reason, meaning as the climate and world changed over the course of their history, other species who were well-adapted to the newer surroundings out ran them in the race for resources. One large contributing factor may have been due to their contemporaneous relatives, Homo.

Homo erectus, dating to two million years ago to 200,000 years ago, had continuous occupation in China and east Asia areas 800,000 to 250,000 years ago (dates are approximate). It is suggested, like many other large mammal species that have lived alongside humans, that Homo erectus hunted the species and may be partly to blame for its extinction.

Critics believe that this species could be the explanation of stories/claims like that of Bigfoot and the Yeti, and may even be an explanation of "dragon bone" use in Chinese apothecaries. However, as folklore goes, even with surmountable evidence, its virtually impossible to clarify or prove it wrong ... as is intelligent design.