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Ancient proteins identify Xujiayao fossils as Denisovan

Ancient proteins from a skull fragment and jaw place two fossils from northern China in the Denisovan human lineage. The peer-reviewed study connects molecular identification with preserved anatomy, opening comparisons with other East Asian remains. Its family tree supports the broad ancestry strongly while leaving finer relationships unresolved, and shape-based assignments of additional fossils remain interpretations.

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A curved fossil bone fragment on a laboratory tray.

Two fossils acquire a molecular identity

Ancient proteins identify two Xujiayao fossils from northern China as Denisovan.[1], [2]

The examined remains are a right parietal skull fragment and a mandible, from a layer dated to between 199,000 and 138,000 years ago. Two laboratories obtained consistent collagen evidence. Across the specimens, the researchers identified eighteen endogenous proteins, providing molecular information where ancient human relationships had previously depended heavily on shape.[1]

Ancestry is clearer than the branches within it

A family tree built with eight proteins placed the fossils in the broad Denisovan group with support above ninety-nine per cent. Relationships within that group remained unresolved. The molecular result concerns these two specimens; it does not establish the ancestry of every individual found at Xujiayao or reveal their language or social behaviour.[1]

Anatomical comparisons widen the question

The authors compare the fossils’ low cranial profile and other features with East Asian remains, including Harbin and Dali. Those proposed links rely on anatomical interpretation rather than protein identification of each comparison fossil. This single peer-reviewed study therefore gives a firmer molecular anchor for regional comparisons while leaving the broader classification open to further evidence.[1]

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References

  1. News sourceNatureProteins identify Denisovan ancestry in Xujiayao fossils↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceInstitute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of SciencesXujiayao proteins connect ancient fossils to Denisovans↩
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