Thailand News

Coolhand · #1 08-11-2005, 21:46

A researcher from McMaster University in Canada is in Thailand to wrap up his research proving that a gigantic ape, measuring about 3 metres (10 feet) tall and weighing up to 540 kg (1,200 pounds) co-existed with early humans.

Geochronologist Jack Rink, associate professor of geography and earth sciences, using a high-precision absolute-dating method (techniques involving electron spin resonance and uranium series), has determined that Gigantopithecus blackii, the largest primate that ever lived, roamed Southeast Asia for nearly a million years before the species died out 100,000 years ago, according to a press release from the university.

This was known as the Pleistocene period, and humans had already existed for a million years.

The press release by the school can be seen here, including a drawing of the massive ape.
http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=3637
Here is the rest of the university's article:

"A missing piece of the puzzle has always focused on pin-pointing when Gigantopithecus existed," explains Rink. "This is a primate that co-existed with humans at a time when humans were undergoing a major evolutionary change. Guangxi province in southern China, where the Gigantopithecus fossils were found, is the same region where some believe the modern human race originated."

Research into Gigantopithecus blackii began in 1935, when the Dutch paleontologist G.H. von Koenigswald discovered a yellowish molar among the "dragon bones" for sale in a Hong Kong pharmacy. Traditional Chinese medicine maintains that dragon bones, basically fossil bones and teeth, possess curative powers when the fossils are ground into a fine powder, and ingested.

For nearly 80 years, Gigantopithecus blackii has intrigued scientists, who have pieced together a description using nothing more than a handful of teeth and a set of jawbones.

"The size of these specimens - the crown of the molar, for instance, measures about an inch across - helped us understand the extraordinary size of the primate," says Rink. Sample studies further revealed that Gigantopithecus was an herbivore, feasting mainly on bamboo. Some believe that the primate's voracious appetite for bamboo ultimately placed him at the losing end of the evolutionary scale against his more nimble human competition.

Rink's discovery coincides with an invitation to join the renowned New York-based Explorers Club. Established in 1904, the Club's seven founding members included two polar explorers, the curator of birds and mammals at The American Museum of Natural History, an archaeologist, a war correspondent and author, a professor of physics and an ethnologist. Sir Edmund Hillary is Club's honorary chairman. Membership includes an eclectic range of field scientists and explorers from more than 60 countries. Rink joins McMaster colleagues Hendrik Poinar (associate professor, Anthropology) and Ed Reinhardt (associate professor, Geography and Earth Science) who are also members.

Rink is currently in Thailand exploring an area where it is believed Gigantopithecus also roamed. Rink returns to campus on November 19.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_...s.php?id=60373

syeatman · #2 08-11-2005, 23:11

They're not extinct...I saw one in Soi Katoey last night

nelsonone · #3 09-11-2005, 10:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by syeatman

They're not extinct...I saw one in Soi Katoey last night

preop or postop??????

syeatman · #4 09-11-2005, 11:47

definitely pre-op

...knuckles scraping the floor, and a set of nashers the local pack of dogs would be ashamed of!!

CeeGee · #5 09-11-2005, 19:49

I thought this should have gone in the expats section!!!!!!!!!!

DNA testing in MTB a possiblity

Name your favorite BM for nearest descendent

Bafana · #6 10-11-2005, 20:53

LOL Geir still lives in Thailand lah

JayBee · #7 13-11-2005, 14:35

This discovery raised the Canadian scientist into the elite ranks of the Explorer's Club. But whoever was it that named the beast Blacky? Seems a bit controversial!!