Scientists identify physical traits of Denisovans
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A team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences determined physical characteristics of Denisovans, an ancient hominin group, by examining 20 fossils discovered in Xujiayao, China, and comparing them to the Harbin cranium.
Researchers analysed collagen peptides from the fossils, finding a unique amino acid substitution that confirmed they belonged to Denisovans and not to humans or Neanderthals.
The team’s morphological analysis revealed Denisovans had thick, wide skull caps similar to Homo erectus, inner ears like Neanderthals, and skull heights comparable to modern humans. Denisovans also displayed unique features, including long, shallow skulls with low foreheads, prominent brow ridges, and flat cheekbones. Previous studies showed Denisovans interbred with other hominin groups like Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and modern humans, which explains some shared traits.
Scientists caution that our understanding of Denisovans is still evolving as more fossils are discovered and analysis techniques improve, but this research provides the clearest picture yet of what they looked like.
