Archaeologists Just Found the Most Complete Denisovan Record Yet—and It Goes Back 190,000 Years - Gizmodo
Archaeologists have discovered significant Denisovan remains in a cave in Yunnan, China, providing the most complete record of the species to date. The findings offer new insights into the biology, tool-making, and hunting practices of these ancient human relatives.
Why it matters
Understanding the evolution and distribution of Denisovans helps scientists map the complex history of human ancestry and genetic development.
Neanderthals and Denisovans are among our closest extinct human relatives, but there’s still much we don’t know about this ancient relative of ours—but new research may help us take the next step.
Today, research teams primarily based in China released two papers in Nature detailing the discovery and analysis of Denisovan remains from Bianfu Cave, Yunnan, in southwestern China. Together, the results shed much-awaited light on the geographic distribution of Denisovans, as well as their biology, diet, and societal practices. The discovery also strengthens previous studies that found genetic connections between present-day humans and Denisovans in Southeast Asia. Importantly, the site demonstrates one of the longest, most consistent records of Denisovan occupation, greatly advancing our understanding of our long-lost relatives.
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