Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – A groundbreaking proposal from a University of Hawaii researcher suggests the discovery of a potential new human species, Homo juluensis, which could include mysterious groups like the Denisovans – ancient relatives whose stories are still unfolding. Professor Christopher J. Bae, an esteemed member of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Department of Anthropology, has devoted over three decades to exploring human ancestors throughout Asia.
His recent publication in Nature Communications provides compelling insights into the diverse ancient human-like species that co-existed in Asia during the late Middle and early Late Pleistocene, approximately 300,000 to 50,000 years ago.
Homo juluensis is believed to have thrived around 300,000 years ago in eastern Asia. These early humans hunted wild horses in small groups and crafted stone tools. They may have also processed animal hides for survival before their disappearance about 50,000 years ago.
This new species is thought to encompass Denisovans—primarily known through DNA evidence from scarce remains found in Siberia—and some fossils discovered in Tibet and Laos.
To fully understand this intriguing relationship, further research is essential to examine similarities between jaw and teeth fossils from these regions.
One of the most notable characteristics of Homo juluensis is their exceptionally large skulls, measuring between 103 and 109 cubic inches. This size surpasses that of Neanderthals, whose skulls are about 88 cubic inches, and modern humans, at approximately 82 cubic inches.
Such a distinctive cranial capacity suggests potential differences in brain structure and cognitive abilities, prompting new discussions in paleoanthropology regarding the evolution of human intelligence and physical traits.
Additionally, Homo juluensis possessed oversized teeth, distinguishing them from other hominins. These features imply that they may have had a different diet and lifestyle compared to contemporary human species.
Bae attributes the breakthrough to an innovative method of organizing fossil evidence. This approach can be likened to arranging an old family photo album, where certain images may be indistinct or difficult to recognize. Bae and his research team have effectively developed a more precise system for categorizing and comprehending these ancient human fossils from China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Primary Late Quaternary (~300,000–~50,000 years BP) hominin taxa from eastern Asia. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53918-7
“This study clarifies a hominin fossil record that has tended to include anything that cannot easily be assigned to Homo erectus, Homo neanderthalensis or Homo sapiens,” Bae said. “Although we started this project several years ago, we did not expect to be able to propose a new hominin (human ancestor) species and then to be able to organize the hominin fossils from Asia into different groups. Ultimately, this should help with science communication.”
This work is crucial as it helps scientists and others better understand human evolution in Asia, filling gaps in our knowledge of ancient relatives. Bae’s co-author, Xiujie Wu, a senior professor at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, is the lead author on the taxonomic assignment and description of Homo juluensis.
The study was published in Nature Communications
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
