Our current variety of human was not always the top of the line for the race on Earth. There were at least five other human species that we fought for dominance with
For more than a century, scientists have studied Neanderthals through their skeletal remains and artifacts, establishing a clear understanding of their existence and integrating the revelation of shared DNA into our knowledge. However, the discovery of Denisovans was unexpected, emerging from DNA sequenced from a mere finger bone fragment that disclosed another ancient human relative who once traversed Asia.
A new Denisovan rib from Baishiya Karst Cave dates to approximately 48–32 thousand years ago, extending their presence well into the Late Pleistocene pic.twitter.com/w4ZYtbZunq
— Odyssey to the Far East (@motherlander) July 3, 2024
Our understanding of Denisovans remains rudimentary. Modern human genomes show Denisovan DNA primarily in East Asia, hinting at their historical habitat. Despite this genetic trace, only minimal physical evidence, such as bone fragments and teeth, has been uncovered, making any detailed physical reconstruction speculative.
Recently, a collaborative international research effort brought to light more about Denisovans from an analysis of findings in the Baishiya Karst Cave, located on a cliff in northeastern Tibetan Plateau at over 3,000 meters above sea level. This area, now known for its historical and scientific significance, initially drew attention due to a Tibetan monk’s discovery, which led to the identification of the Xiahe mandible, a lower jawbone now recognized as Denisovan. This remains the most significant Denisovan fossil found to date.
Subsequent excavations unearthed numerous animal bones; none were initially recognized as Denisovan. However, environmental DNA analysis confirmed Denisovan presence in the cave for at least 100,000 years, across two glacial periods. The researchers employed mass spectrometry to analyze protein fragments from these bones, identifying nearly 80 percent of them as belonging to various species, including blue sheep, yaks, horses, gazelles, deer, and others, indicative of the diverse fauna that once surrounded the cave.
What is the most mysterious tribe in human history?
DNA analysis has thrown at us two equally mysterious things.It is well established that we have Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA in us. Denisovans were identified from a single finger bone found in a Siberian cave; There… pic.twitter.com/AlanVcKW6P
— Alaa Pasha (@Alaa2pasha) May 26, 2024
This technique, known as zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS), also revealed that these animals were not merely remnants of natural deaths but had been actively hunted and processed for food, evident from butchering marks and marrow extraction signs on the bones. This suggests that Denisovans were not scavengers but proficient hunters.
One particularly intriguing find was a human-relative bone, identified as Denisovan through careful protein sequencing. It was located in a cave layer previously thought to be devoid of Denisovan DNA, suggesting either sporadic visits or issues with DNA preservation. This find not only extends the known timeline of Denisovan presence on the Tibetan Plateau but also underscores their adaptability and survival skills in harsh glacial conditions.
Despite these advancements, the physical appearance of Denisovans and the broader aspects of their diet remain largely unknown.
Major Points
- Denisovan existence was revealed through DNA extracted from a finger bone, contrasting with the well-known Neanderthals whose history has been pieced together from extensive skeletal and artifact evidence.
- The primary evidence of Denisovans remains scant, limited to fragments of bones and teeth, making detailed knowledge about their appearance and lifestyle elusive.
- Recent findings at the Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau have provided further insights, confirming Denisovans’ long-term presence and adaptation to high altitudes over 100,000 years.
- Advanced techniques like mass spectrometry were used to analyze protein fragments from animal bones at the site, showing a varied diet that included blue sheep, yaks, and other high-altitude fauna.
- The research highlights Denisovans’ sophisticated hunting skills and minimal reliance on scavenging, evidenced by clear signs of butchering and tool-making on the bones.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
