First Denisovan forearm bone discovered in southwest China
Scientists have discovered the first Denisovan radius bone in the Bianfu Cave in Southwest China, helping to fill a significant gap in the hominin's known distribution. The discovery was made using proteomic analysis to identify remains from a Paleolithic site.
Why it matters
This discovery provides new physical evidence of Denisovan adaptation and distribution, enhancing our understanding of human evolutionary history.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan
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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.
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