Denisovan Skull Found in 1930s – But No One Knew Until Now
▼ Summary
– A 146,000-year-old skull from Harbin, China, was identified as Denisovan through protein analysis, contradicting its initial classification as Homo longi.
– The skull’s preserved proteins matched those found in Denisovan DNA, providing the first clear look at Denisovan physical features.
– Researchers failed to extract DNA from the skull but successfully analyzed proteins from its temporal bone, revealing Denisovan-specific markers.
– The Harbin skull’s discovery dates back to the 1930s, but it remained hidden for decades to protect it from seizure during the Japanese occupation.
– The skull’s remarkable preservation and identification as Denisovan mark a significant breakthrough in understanding this ancient human lineage.
A remarkably preserved 146,000-year-old skull discovered in China has been identified as belonging to the mysterious Denisovans, rewriting our understanding of this ancient human group. Initially classified as a new species called Homo longi in 2021, advanced protein analysis now confirms its true lineage. The breakthrough came from studying proteins in the skull’s temporal bone, revealing key markers that matched known Denisovan genetic signatures.
The Harbin skull, one of the most complete ancient hominin fossils ever found, finally gives scientists a clear picture of what Denisovans looked like. Researchers attempted to extract DNA but turned to proteins instead, which proved more resilient over time. Out of 95 protein fragments analyzed, three carried distinct Denisovan variations, a definitive link to this elusive branch of early humans.
This discovery carries an extraordinary backstory. Found in the 1930s during Japan’s occupation of northeast China, the skull was deliberately hidden by its discoverer to prevent confiscation. It remained a secret for decades before resurfacing for scientific study. Now, it stands as a pivotal piece of evidence, bridging gaps in our knowledge of human evolution.
The implications are profound. Before this, Denisovan remains were limited to fragmentary bones and teeth from Siberia’s Denisova Cave. The Harbin skull’s near-complete structure provides unprecedented insights into their physical traits, including a robust brow ridge and large braincase. This revelation underscores how much we still have to learn about our ancient relatives, and how much can still emerge from long-hidden fossils.
(Source: Ars Technica)
