Скачать или смотреть Denisovans Lived in China — DNA Proves It

Discovery of the Harbin Skull as a Denisovan
The Harbin cranium, discovered in Heilongjiang Province, China, represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in understanding the Denisovans—a mysterious group of archaic humans previously known only from DNA.

Key Findings:
Initial Classification as a New Species (Homo longi)

Due to its unique mix of primitive and modern features (large brain size, heavy brow ridges, flat face), scientists initially proposed it as a new species, Homo longi ("Dragon Man").

However, its true identity remained uncertain because no DNA had been extracted.

DNA Extraction from Dental Calculus

Researchers successfully retrieved mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from hardened dental plaque on the Harbin skull.

Out of 20 samples, seven contained Denisovan-specific genetic markers, with no Neanderthal contamination.

The mtDNA closely matched older Denisovan specimens (Denisova 2, 8, 19, 20, 21) rather than younger ones (Denisova 3, 4).

Confirmation as a Denisovan

The genetic evidence confirmed that the Harbin individual belonged to the Denisovan lineage, making it the first well-preserved Denisovan skull ever identified.

This finding suggests that Denisovans were widespread across Asia, from Siberia to China.

Implications for Other Asian Fossils

The Harbin skull’s morphology may help identify other Denisovan-linked fossils (e.g., Dali, Jinniushan, Xiahe jawbone) even without DNA.

It supports the idea that Denisovans were a diverse and adaptable group, possibly including multiple subspecies.

Why This Discovery Matters:
Before this, Denisovans were only known from tiny bone fragments and DNA, leaving their physical appearance a mystery.

The Harbin skull provides the first clear look at Denisovan cranial anatomy, bridging genetics and morphology.

It reinforces that Denisovans were a major part of Asia’s Pleistocene human diversity, interacting with Homo sapiens and Neanderthals.

Limitations & Open Questions:
Only mtDNA was recovered—no nuclear DNA to confirm full ancestry.

Did Homo longi represent a separate species or just a regional Denisovan variant?

How did Harbin Denisovans relate to other Asian archaic humans (e.g., Homo erectus, H. daliensis)?

Conclusion:
The Harbin skull’s DNA analysis finally gave a face to the Denisovans, proving they were not just a genetic ghost but a physically distinct human group. This discovery reshapes our understanding of human evolution in Asia, showing that multiple human lineages coexisted and interbred before Homo sapiens became the last surviving species. Future fossil and DNA studies may reveal even more about their role in our evolutionary past.
References:
Harbin skull as Homo longi
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xinn.2021.1...
Denisovan mtDNA in Harbin skull
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.0...
D3 Denisovan lineage in Philippines
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-023-02...

Late Denisovans in Island Southeast Asia
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.adf9884
Denisovan immune adaptations in Papuans
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xgen.2023.1...

Tibetan EPAS1 gene from Denisovans
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2217735120

Tibetan Denisovan jawbone
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-06...

Early humans in Southeast Asia
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-44...