A nearly complete 146,000-year-old skull found in China has provided a rare glimpse into the appearance of Denisovans, an ancient human species that shared a common ancestor with both Neanderthals and modern humans. The fossil, nicknamed the “Dragon Man,” was previously identified as Homo longi but new genetic studies suggest it belongs to Denisovans.
Researchers, led by Qiaomei Fu, analyzed the skull’s DNA and proteins, which showed connections to other Denisovan remains. They discovered preserved ancient DNA in plaque on the skull’s teeth, matching that of known Denisovan fossils. This evidence suggests the Dragon Man is a Denisovan individual, providing a crucial insight into how these early humans looked.
The nearly complete skull reveals a large male with flat cheeks and prominent facial features, including a large mouth, strong brow ridges, and a round nose. The discovery sheds light on Denisovans’ distribution spread from Siberia to northeast China, making it easier for researchers to identify other fossils as belonging to this species.
However, the findings also raise questions about the classification of Denisovans. Some argue that all Denisovans should be classified under the same species name, Homo longi, while others believe they should remain a separate group. The new research clears the way for further study and debate on this topic.
The discovery is considered significant, with paleoanthropologist Ryan McRae calling it “among, if not the biggest paleoanthropology papers of the year.” As researchers continue to analyze the skull and its implications, they are likely to spark ongoing debate about our understanding of human evolution.
Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/iconic-dragon-man-skull-offers-first-glimpse-of-what-a-denisovans-face-looked-like-new-genetic-studies-suggest-180986861