We Now Know What Denisovans Looked Like
An analysis of their skulls paints a picture of our archaic cousins The post We Now Know What Denisovans Looked Like appeared first on Nautilus .
A new study published in Nature has unveiled a clearer picture of what Denisovans, an enigmatic group of ancient hominins, may have looked like. The research, conducted by a team of paleoanthropologists and geneticists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed 20 fossils dating back around 130,000 years, discovered in Xujiayao, China, alongside tools and animal remains.
Through proteomic sequencing of collagen peptides, the researchers identified a unique amino acid substitution in Denisovans, distinct from humans or Neanderthals. Additionally, the team performed a comprehensive morphological analysis of the Xujiayao skulls and jaws, as well as the Harbin cranium, a nearly complete Denisovan skull.
The study revealed that the Denisovan skull cap was thick and wide, similar to Homo erectus, the inner ear cavity resembled Neanderthals', and the vaulted skull's tall sides were akin to modern humans. The overall shape of the Denisovan skulls was somewhat unique, characterized by a relatively long, shallow skull with a low, sloping forehead, massive brow ridges, and flat cheekbones.
As more fossils are discovered and molecular techniques improve, our understanding of the Denisovans may continue to evolve.
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