The extinct primate species Gigantopithecus blacki went extinct between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago due to a lack of its preferred food source.

Climate change and forest transformation led to a shortage of fruits, causing the apes to switch to less nutritious alternatives.

The large size of Gigantopithecus blacki became a disadvantage as forest patches shrunk.

Their lifestyle specialization and limited mobility contributed to their extinction.

The study shows the vulnerability of large animals to becoming too specialized.

Rodents carried the remains of Gigantopithecus into the caves, suggesting a possible interaction with Homo erectus.

These findings highlight the effects of climate change and forest alterations on species extinction.