First Denisovan forearm bone discovered in southwest China

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Add as preferred source The geographical location of the Bianfu Cave and the morphology of the two human teeth and three newly discovered Denisovan bones. Credit: IVPP Scientists have discovered various Denisovan remains in Southwest China dating to the late Middle Pleistocene, including the first Denisovan radius—one of two long bones in the forearm.

Denisovans are a genetically identified archaic hominin group believed to have been widely distributed across Asia. However, because of the limited number of fossil remains, especially postcranial bones—those below the skull—a distribution gap has long existed in Southwest China. Therefore, little is known about the physical traits that allowed Denisovans to adapt to different environments.