A new species of ancient humans has been discovered in eastern Asia, with brains significantly larger than any other hominin of their time, including modern humans. The Juluren, meaning “large head people,” lived alongside Homo sapiens over 100,000 years ago and share characteristics with both Denisovans and Neanderthals.
Researchers Xiujie Wu and Christopher Bae propose the Juluren as a distinct group of ancient humans based on fossil evidence from China. Their brains were larger than those of other hominins, suggesting they may have hunted in small groups. The fossils show a mix of traits, indicating a blend of ancestry between various human groups.
The discovery is significant because it highlights the complexity of the human evolutionary record. Until now, all non-Homo erectus and Homo sapiens fossils in China were grouped together, but Wu and Bae’s research reveals a more nuanced picture.
This new species joins other recently discovered ancient humans such as Homo floresiensis and Homo luzonensis. The Juluren’s existence raises questions about the human family tree and how it continues to evolve. As researchers continue to study the fossil record, they are finding more evidence of complexity and diversity in human evolution.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/large-head-people-mysterious-form-063259322.html