For the first time, a skull of the mysterious Denisovans has been identified after almost a century in northeastern China. Initially thought to be an unknown human species, the fossil skull found in Harbin is now confirmed to be Denisovan, according to a recent study published in Cell by Qiaomei Fu and Svante Paabo.

The Harbin Hominin skull, discovered in 1933, was previously believed to be a new species named 'Dragon Man.' However, it has now been revealed that this skull belongs to the Denisovans, who are closely related to Neanderthals, not Homo sapiens.

The Denisovans are known to have been robust and successful, inhabiting various regions across Asia. Until now, only genetic information and a few isolated bones were available, making the discovery of this almost-complete Denisovan skull a significant breakthrough.

Denisovan Origins and Distribution

Neanderthals and Denisovans are believed to have evolved from a common ancestor, with the Denisovans residing in Asia while Neanderthals lived in Europe. The two species likely diverged due to geographical separation caused by the Ice Age.

Denisovans were known to have interbred with Neanderthals and modern humans, as evidenced by discoveries such as a jawbone found between China and Taiwan. The recent identification of the Harbin skull as Denisovan was based on mitochondrial DNA analysis, linking it to early Denisovans from Denisova Cave.

Denisovan Features and Legacy

The Harbin skull, with its unique characteristics including massive brow ridges, wide eye sockets, and a large mouth, provides valuable insights into the physical appearance of Denisovans. With a brain volume similar to Neanderthals and modern humans, the Denisovans are speculated to have exhibited distinct behaviors and skills.

Further research is underway to identify additional Denisovan remains in China, as numerous sites from the Middle Pleistocene period suggest a diverse hominin population. The discovery of the Harbin skull sheds light on the enigmatic Denisovans and their impact on human evolution.