Study Confirms 20 Xujiayao Fossils as Denisovan, Proposes 1 Protein Marker
Updated
Updated · Gizmodo · Oct 23
Study Confirms 20 Xujiayao Fossils as Denisovan, Proposes 1 Protein Marker
3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Oct 23
Summary
Twenty fossils from China’s Xujiayao site, dated to 138,000-199,000 years ago, were identified as Denisovan in a Nature study using ancient protein analysis.
The team also isolated an amino-acid change seen so far only in confirmed Denisovan fossils—not in Neanderthals or modern humans—proposing it as a molecular marker for future identification.
Morphological analysis of the skull fragments, compared with roughly 200 remains from other human groups, suggested Denisovans had low cranial profiles, rectangular eye sockets, massive brow ridges, flat cheekbones and slightly protruding jaws.
Researchers and outside experts said more samples are needed because Denisovans ranged widely across Asia over long periods, likely producing variation within the species.
The findings add physical definition to a human group first recognized from Denisova Cave in 2008 and could help reclassify other Asian fossils long treated as part of a genetically "chaotic" Middle Pleistocene.