12/15/2024
Ancient Secrets: 160,000-Year-Old Denisovan Discovery
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In 2019, archaeologists made a groundbreaking discovery: a jawbone found in Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau was dated to at least 160,000 years ago. Until this find, Denisova Cave in Siberia was the only location where Denisovan physical remains had been identified. The bones from Denisova Cave were dated to only 100,000 years, with some molars possibly exceeding that age.
A groundbreaking find has stunned the world of archaeology—a 160,000-year-old Denisovan fossil uncovered in the Tibetan Plateau. This discovery offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of a mysterious human ancestor who lived at extreme altitudes long before modern humans arrived in the region.
The fossil, a jawbone with remarkably preserved teeth, provides vital clues about Denisovan anatomy and adaptability. Unlike earlier discoveries limited to DNA traces in Siberia’s Denisova Cave, this find reveals the extent of their range and resilience in harsh environments.
Researchers were astonished to find evidence of genetic adaptations that allowed Denisovans to survive in oxygen-deprived conditions. These genetic traits, passed down through interbreeding, are still present in modern Tibetan populations.
This discovery reshapes our understanding of ancient human evolution, suggesting a complex web of interactions between early human species. Denisovans, once shadowy figures in our history, now take center stage as key contributors to our shared past.