Discovery of Denisovan Forearm Bone in China Reveals Mixed Anatomical Features
Researchers have identified a Denisovan forearm bone, a partial radius, among tens of thousands of animal bone fragments in Bianfu Cave in southwestern China. This discovery, along with two skull pieces and two teeth, represents a significant addition to the scarce Denisovan fossil record, making Bianfu Cave the site with the second-highest number of Denisovan fossils after Denisova Cave. The forearm bone, estimated to be between 167,000 and 134,000 years old, exhibits a unique blend of Neanderthal and modern human anatomical features. Its head is similar in size to Neanderthals, while its neck is short, resembling modern humans. The biceps bump's orientation also shows a mix, facing inward like many Neanderthals, but with a cross-section that is larger and stiffer against twisting than in Neanderthals. The identification of these bones as Denisovan was confirmed through protein analysis, as attempts to recover ancient DNA were unsuccessful. The site also yielded stone tools and animal bones, indicating th...
