Researchers reconstruct physical appearance of Denisovans

A study published in Nature by a team of paleoanthropologists and geneticists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has provided new insights into the physical characteristics of Denisovans. By analyzing a cache of 20 fossils discovered at the Xujiayao site in eastern China, researchers used proteomic sequencing of collagen peptides to confirm the remains belonged to this genetically distinct hominin line.

The fossils, which date to between approximately 130,000 and 199,000 years ago, reveal a unique morphology. Morphological analysis suggests Denisovans possessed a relatively long, shallow skull with a low, sloping forehead, massive brow ridges, and flat cheekbones. While they shared certain features with Neanderthals, such as the shape of the inner ear cavity, and Homo erectus, such as a thick skull cap, their overall cranial profile was distinct.

This discovery builds upon previous findings from the Denisova Cave in Russia, which first identified the group as a unique species. The new data from Xujiayao helps clarify the biological and geographical distribution of these ancient relatives.