#ancienthumans

Source: edition.cnn.com

Fossil Discovery Sheds Light on Denisovan Identity

A skull unearthed in northeastern China is offering groundbreaking insight into one of humanity’s most elusive ancient relatives—the Denisovans. The fossil, known as the “Dragon Man” skull, was first discovered in 1933 by a laborer in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, and hidden in a well for safekeeping. It remained a secret for decades until resurfacing in 2018. Initially, the skull’s features did not match any known prehistoric human species. Researchers, intrigued by its unique shape and size, classified it as Homo longi in 2021.

However, a recent breakthrough in DNA recovery has dramatically shifted the conversation. After several failed attempts, scientists successfully extracted mitochondrial DNA from dental calculus (hardened plaque) on the fossil’s tooth. This analysis revealed a genetic link to Denisovans, a group of archaic humans previously known only from fragmentary fossils and genetic data. The finding could finally offer a face to a long-enigmatic species that lived alongside modern humans and Neanderthals.

Genetic Breakthrough Confirms Denisovan Connection

In two pivotal studies published on Wednesday in Cell and Science, researchers detail how the Dragon Man’s mitochondrial DNA and protein fragments resemble those found in known Denisovan specimens. Though mitochondrial DNA reveals only the maternal lineage, experts like Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Ryan McRae believe the skull is unlikely to belong to a hybrid and is more likely a full Denisovan.

Previous Denisovan fossils, such as a pinkie bone found in Siberia’s Denisova Cave in 2010, offered scant clues about the species’ appearance. Now, the Harbin skull’s robust features—thick brow ridges, a brain comparable in size to Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, and unusually large teeth—paint a fuller picture of what these ancient humans may have looked like.

Researchers emphasize the importance of the new findings. “This is the most complete Denisovan fossil we have,” said Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London. Qiaomei Fu, the study’s lead author, highlighted the challenge of extracting DNA from fossils older than 100,000 years, noting that only four such sites globally have yielded ancient DNA. The successful use of dental calculus opens new avenues for studying other ancient remains.

Redefining an Ancient Human Lineage

The revelation that Dragon Man is likely Denisovan has sparked debate over naming conventions. Some scientists propose that the species be officially named Homo longi, given its link to the fossil found in Harbin. While the term “Denisovan” will likely remain in use, its informal status may shift as more molecular evidence emerges.

The discovery holds broader implications for understanding human evolution. Denisovans, along with Neanderthals, interbred with early Homo sapiens, and their DNA is still present in many modern humans today. With the Dragon Man skull now tied to Denisovans, scientists can better classify similar fossils across Asia and refine the evolutionary tree.

~australopithecus positivitus~

~this is the only man i want to date~

…because the unsystematic recovery process led to an inaccurate age :(

Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences In a first, researchers have sequenced genetic material from 400,000-year-old Homo erectus fossils and the results reveal deep genetic links to both modern humans and the enigmatic Denisovans. H. erectus was the earliest human ancestor to travel outside Africa and successfully spread into Europe, Asia and…

@OriginsExplained tells us that Humans were in North America before the Vikings sailed the seas.‘I thought I heard of humans in the Americas millions of years ago? Okay, maybe pre-humans.’ After the Learning with YouTube? I asked Question Advanced AI Opal App about the pre-humans.: The Rewriting of American PrehistoryUncovering Ancient Migrations and Evolving Scientific Narratives Educational…

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Source: foreignpolicy.com

We are all aware of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Isn’t it fascinating to know how far we come to become who we are? To simplify, don’t you wonder how did the evolution happen? From apes to erect humans who are smart, creative, and strong. Now just think about it what if you got your hands on a time machine to go back many million years ago to see and understand how Homo sapiens came into being. Would it be something so interesting to watch and study how the first few miracles of science took place? So many questions popping up inside your head, and your curiosity is at its peak now. Since we do not have a time machine that functions. We can’t go back in time physically. However, there is a way we can trace back to our ancestors. Paleoanthropology is the key to unlocking the secret of the ancient world. It lets us put the pieces together to form an extraordinary tapestry of evolutionary history. Allowing us to connect with our roots and understand our ancestor and their lifestyle. 

In this article, we will uncover the world of human evolution and get an overview of paleoanthropology. We will understand what it does and how it contributes to modern science. 

What is Paleoanthropology?

The term Paleoanthropology refers to the study of human evolution through the analysis of fossils and artifacts. It is also considered a branch of paleontology and anthropology that helps us understand the early development and evolution of the species Homo sapiens and extinct hominin. In this field, the researchers do a scientific study of human evolution with the help of examining the fossils and archaeological evidence found in the world. It gives us an understanding of the origins, development, and relationships of various human species, such as Homo sapiens. So paleoanthropology is a way to study thoroughly fossilized bones, ancient tools, and even remnants of DNA to uncover how we evolved from ape-like creatures to the complex beings we are today. It allows us to find out about the changes which shaped our lineage from the very beginning to developing language and culture.

Tools and techniques in Paleoanthropology

Paleoanthropology offers various techniques and toolkits to explore and understand the history behind evolution.

1. Fossil Excavation and Analysis

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Excavation:  It starts with careful digging and removal of fossils from the ground, it requires special tools.

Fossil preparation:  The fossils are then cleaned properly and combined to study them well.

Comparative anatomy:  In this part, the fossils are compared with today’s modern humans and also primates to get an understanding of evolutionary relationships.

Paleopathology: The researchers study the injuries or any diseases that can be found on ancient bones to understand their health and lifestyle.

2. Dating Technique

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Relative Dating: This Technique helps in identifying the age of the fossils relative to other fossils or geological layers. 

Absolute Dating: For this process, there are two types of methods used to determine the age of fossils in years.

Radiometric Dating is done by measuring the radioactive isotopes.

Thermoluminescence Dating is done by measuring the accumulated radiation dose in certain materials.

Electron Spin Resonance Dating is similar to thermoluminescence, however here they measure the trapped electrons in materials.

3. Archaeological Technique

Artifact Analysis:  This includes studying stone tools, bones, and other objects built by ancient people to understand their technology and culture.

Site Survey and Excavation:  In this process, the research locates and excavates archaeological sites to uncover evidence of past human activities.

4. Genetic Analysis

Ancient DNA (aDNA) Extraction and Sequencing: To understand the genetic relationship between ancient and modern humans, extraction and analysis of DNA from ancient bones and other materials is carried out. 

Paleogenetics: The researchers usually carry out studies of the evolution of genes and genomes over time.

5. Technological Advancement

3D Scanning and Modeling: In this part to understand the fossils and study them in a better manner, digital models are created. 

CT Scanning: Here the X-ray is used to create detailed 3D images of fossils, which helps in revealing the internal structures.

GIS (Geographic Information Systems): Mapping and analyzing archaeological sites and fossil locations.

Major discoveries in paleoanthropology:

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1. “Lucy” (Australopithecus afarensis)

She was discovered in 1974 and named Lucy.  Lucy is considered to be one of the most famous hominin fossils. Her skeleton provided crucial evidence for bipedalism in early hominins, dating back around 3.2 million years.

2. “Ardi” (Ardipithecus ramidus)

He was discovered in 1994 he is an even older hominin fossil, dating back around 4.4 million years. Ardi provides insights into the earliest stages of human evolution, suggesting a less ape-like ancestor than previously thought.

3. Neanderthal Genome

With the advancement in the science field, some scientists have started DNA sequencing, which has allowed them to sequence the Neanderthal genome. This has uncovered interbreeding between Neanderthals and today’s humans. This has helped in providing insights into Neanderthal biology and behavior.

4. Homo Naledi

These fossils were discovered in 2013. Homo Naledi, being discovered very recently, has questioned our understanding of the early Homo. Its small brain size combined with derived hand and foot bones suggests a complex evolutionary history.

Conclusion

Paleoanthropology has contributed greatly to expanding our understanding and connecting the dots that piece together our ancestry lineage. It has helped researchers gain more insight and understanding of the ancient people. We always pondered about our beginning, but this has solved many mysteries and given answers to many questions. It has helped us understand the culture, technology, lifestyle, and health of the people who lived millions of years ago. They were the true pioneers of discovery and advancement that occurred in the society. Paleoanthropology has become the thread that has helped us piece together an amazing tapestry of the evolutionary history of our ancestors. 

FAQ

1. What is the difference between paleoanthropology and anthropology?

Paleoanthropologists study the remains of prehistoric humans and associated artifacts. Unlike biological or physical anthropologists, paleoanthropologists strictly examine prehistoric humans and culture. Biological anthropology, on the other hand, examines how human behavior has changed since prehistoric times.

2. What is the most famous paleoanthropology?

In 1984, Leakey and his team, nicknamed “the Hominid Gang,” made their most monumental discovery–the nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus youth. The 1.6 million-year-old fossil was nicknamed “Turkana Boy” or “Nariokotome Boy.” It is one of the most significant paleoanthropological discoveries of all time.

3. What degree do you need to be a paleoanthropology?