Denisovan fossils and tools discovered in China's Yunnan Province

Denisovans archaeology hominid fossils Bianfu Cave human evolution

Archaeologists have discovered significant Denisovan fossils and cultural artifacts in Bianfu Cave, located in the Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The findings, published in the journal Nature, include four teeth, a partial arm bone, and two skull fragments, bringing the total number of known Denisovan fossils to over 20.

Researchers identified that these remains belonged to at least three individuals who lived between 167,000 and 134,000 years ago. The site is notable for providing a direct association between Denisovan fossils and abundant cultural remains, including more than 1,300 stone and bone tools, butchered animal remains, and fossilized pollen.

These discoveries offer rare insight into the lifestyle and subsistence of the Denisovans, a sister species to modern humans. While Denisovan DNA is present in modern populations across Southeast Asia and Oceania, fossil evidence has historically been scarce. The findings at Bianfu Cave suggest the group possessed hunting and tool-making capabilities comparable to Neanderthals.

Entities

Bianfu Cave · Chinese Academy of Sciences · Denisovans · Nature · Yunnan province

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[● 2 SOURCES] Archaeologists recovered bone and stone tools, fossilized pollen, and animal remains at the site. abc17news.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The total number of known Denisovan fossils has increased to more than 20 following this discovery. abc17news.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Denisovans inhabited the cave between 167,000 and 134,000 years ago. abc17news.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Denisovan fossils were found in the Bianfu cave located in the mountains of Yunnan province. abc17news.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The Bianfu cave discovery is the first site in southern China showing a direct link between Denisovan fossils and significant cultural remains. abc17news.com · keyt.com
[● 2 SOURCES] The newly discovered fossils include four teeth, part of an arm bone, and two skull fragments. abc17news.com · keyt.com