A recent discovery has shed new light on Denisovans, one of humanity’s enigmatic relatives. Researchers found a jawbone in the Taiwan Strait, which is much warmer than the cold habitats previously thought to be their primary home.
Historically, Denisovans were known primarily from Siberia’s Denisova Cave and the Tibetan Plateau. This new find, located 25 kilometers off Taiwan’s coast at depths of 60 to 120 meters, suggests they might have roamed much farther than once believed. During the Pleistocene era, this area was part of the Asian mainland and featured a warm, humid climate — quite different from the cold settings expected for these ancient humans.
This discovery offers concrete evidence of the Denisovans’ adaptability. Dr. Frido Welker, who contributed to the study, highlighted that their fossil traits show they could survive in both cold mountains and warmer environments. “Their range speaks volumes about their flexibility,” he noted.
What’s especially intriguing is how the fossil was identified. Instead of relying on traditional DNA methods, the researchers employed a technique called paleoproteomics. This method analyzes ancient proteins, allowing scientists to confirm species even when DNA is degraded. From this jawbone, they extracted over 4,000 amino acid residues and identified several specific to Denisovans.
Denisovans displayed distinct physical traits, including robust mandibles and large teeth, which may have aided their survival. However, it’s still unclear if these features were unique to males of the species. More fossil evidence will be needed to draw firmer conclusions.
Despite the fossil’s significance, dating it was challenging, so researchers estimate its age is likely between 10,000 and 190,000 years. Dr. Welker emphasized that combining paleoproteomics with genetic studies in the future may help pinpoint exactly when and where Denisovans lived.
This discovery has sparked interest in Denisovan research, which could lead to further insights into their interactions with other ancient human species and their eventual fate. The fact that Denisovans adapted to diverse environments suggests a complex and intriguing history that scientists are eager to explore further.
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