The Three Species of Gigantopithecus

Though so little fossil remains have been found of Gigantopithecus, enough variation has been seen to classify them into three different species. 

The species we know the most about it is Gigantopithecus blacki. The teeth found that were thought to be dragon bones were classified as Gigantopithecus blacki. Through dating the teeth, scientists believe that this species existed for at least one million years. It was believed to be related to the early human Australopithecus. It was later determined the two emerged through convergent evolution, or when similar features develop simultaneously through separate evolutionary lines.

The next species is Gigantopithecus bilaspurensis. Fossils of this species have been found in India. It is believed to have lived about six to nine million years ago.

The final species is Gigantopithecus giganteus. Despite its name, it was half the size of Gigantopithecus blacki, which is the species the height average of ten feet is based off of. This species has the least amount of fossil records, found in India and China.