A new species of ancient human, Homo juluensis, has been discovered in China. The name “big head” is derived from the skull’s large size. Researchers have identified this species based on fossils found at Xujiayao and Xuchang sites in northern and central China, dating back 220,000 to 100,000 years ago.
The discovery sheds light on human evolution during the Middle Pleistocene epoch, approximately 300,000 to 50,000 years ago. To understand this period, scientists have been trying to decipher the evolutionary relationships among our ancestors. A study published in PaleoAnthropology describes a set of unusual hominin fossils that represent a new form of large-brained hominin.
The fossils show traits common to modern humans and Neanderthals, indicating that Homo juluensis may not have been genetically isolated. Instead, they may have been the result of hybridization between different types of Middle Pleistocene hominins. This discovery supports the idea of continuity in human evolution.
Paleoanthropologists propose splitting “archaic Homo” into at least four species to better understand recent human evolution in East Asia. The newly named H. juluensis is one of these proposed species, which helps clarify the fossil record and aid science communication.
Experts acknowledge that naming a new species can be challenging, but it ultimately aids in understanding the complexities of human evolution. The discovery of Homo juluensis contributes to ongoing research into human origins and provides insights into our ancestors’ genetic diversity.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/new-big-headed-archaic-humans-discovered-who-is-homo-juluensis