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Gigantopithecus blacki

            There have been numerous attempts at scientific theories that support the existence of a Bigfoot. One of these theories is that Bigfoot is the evolved decedent of Gigantopithecus blacki. “Gigantopithecus blacki, the largest hominoid that ever lived, was first described just over eighty years ago based on isolated lower molar purchased from a traditional Chinese drugstore in Hong Kong (von Koenigswald,1935),” (Zhang & Harrison). This description is written by Yingqi Zhang, a hydrogeologist, and Terry Harrison, a biological anthropologist, in their article American Journal of Physical Anthropology/ Volume 162, Issue S63.

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            Dr. Grover S. Krantz expresses his observation as such, “A full description of this giant primate would then match that of a sasquatch in every particular that can be dealt with. Only its thumb remains unknown; one can only speculate on what would be the most useful design for a creature of this description to manipulate its environment,” (Krantz 191). Speculation is a common practice in Dr. Krantz's book, Bigfoot Sasquatch Evidence: The Anthropologist Speaks Out. Indeed, the myth Bigfoot and the extinct G. blacki could plausibly share characteristics, but this would not be enough to link Bigfoot as a descendant of G. blacki. 
            Another fault in this theory is the location of the extinct G. blacki compared to that of the alleged Bigfoot. “Although the species is known principally from China, other possible occurrences have been 

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recorded in northern Vietnam and northern Thailand,” as stated by Zhang and Harrison. To entertain the idea that Bigfoot is descended from G. blacki is to say that the population managed to migrate from China to North America without being discovered or leaving fossils. Dr. Krantz Concluded, “I would put the highest odds on it being Gigantopithecus, and that this type is derived from the African group of apes,” (Krantz 192). This conclusion was made using little to no scientific evidence, relying heavily on speculation.

            These two theories offer a blend of cultural heritage and scientific speculation. While neither has definitively proven Bigfoot’s existence, they continue to captivate and challenge our imaginations, keeping the mystery of Bigfoot alive.

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