Remains of extinct apes found in China

The bones of an extinct species of ape have been found in an ancient tomb in China

Scientific experts, led by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), made the unusual find in a 2,300-year-old burial chamber in Shaanxi Province.

The scientists are thought to believe the grave belonged to Lady Xia, the grandmother of China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang.





It was emperor Qin Shihuang who oversaw the construction of the Great Wall of China and the famous Terracotta Army.

At the excavation of the tomb in 2004 a number of animal remains, which included gibbon bones, were unearthed from 12 burial pits.

Making use of computer modelling, the scientists were able to identify a new genus and species of gibbon.

In a study published in the journal Science, researchers concluded:
“This previously unknown species was likely widespread, may have persisted until the 18th century, and may be the first ape species to have perished as a direct result of human activities.”