Two studies published in Nature identify four teeth, two cranial fragments and a radius from Bianfu Cave in Yunnan as Denisovan. The remains date to roughly 167,000–134,000 years ago. With no surviving DNA, researchers used enamel-dentine junction shape and ancient proteins, while stone artefacts and animal bones document repeated occupation of the cave.
Two peer-reviewed studies in Nature identify seven Denisovan fossils from Bianfu Cave in Yunnan, southwestern China. The finds comprise four teeth, two cranial fragments and a radius. The fossils date to roughly 167,000–134,000 years ago, while the cultural layers containing the evidence extend from about 190,000 to 70,000 years ago. Live Science describes the radius as the first known example attributed to Denisovans.[1], [2]
Because no DNA survived in the remains, researchers identified them through two other forms of evidence: the shape of the enamel-dentine junction in teeth and ancient proteins preserved in the fossils. Nature reports that the team sifted through roughly 60,000 bone fragments. Live Science likewise says protein analysis allowed the fossils to be attributed to Denisovans in DNA's absence. The identification therefore does not rest on one visible bone feature alone.[1], [2]
Pollen and animal bones from the cave point to a surrounding conifer forest or forest-steppe. According to Nature, its occupants hunted water buffalo, gaur and deer and made expedient tools from stone and bone. Live Science reports nearly 1,400 stone artefacts and more than 64,000 mammal bones. Together, those finds document repeated occupation of the cave and the hunting and butchering of large animals.[1], [2]
