A team of paleoanthropologists has introduced a new hominin species, Homo juluensis, which thrived in eastern Asia between 300,000 and 50,000 years ago. Led by researchers Christopher J. Bae from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and Xiujie Wu from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the discovery sheds new light on human evolution.
Homo juluensis is characterized by a mix of features found in fossils from sites such as Xujiayao and Xuchang in northern and central China. The species includes large crania with thick skulls, traits reminiscent of Neanderthals, as well as characteristics shared with modern humans and Denisovans. It is thought to have been skilled in making stone tools, processing animal hides, and hunting wild horses.
The discovery challenges unilineal evolutionary models, suggesting that eastern Asia hosted at least four distinct hominin species. The researchers propose a more nuanced taxonomy, which includes Homo floresiensis, Homo luzonensis, Homo longi, and the newly named Homo juluensis.
The study highlights the importance of new terminology for understanding evolutionary models. By clarifying the hominin fossil record, the team aims to improve science communication and refine our understanding of human ancestry. The discovery of Homo juluensis marks a significant step forward in unraveling the intricate web of human ancestry and underscores the need to revise traditional interpretations of human evolution.
Source: https://archaeologymag.com/2024/12/homo-juluensis-new-species-of-archaic-human