Deep within the rugged landscapes of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, scientists have uncovered remarkable insights into how ancient Denisovans thrived in one of Earth’s most challenging environments. A new study, published in Nature, reveals that these archaic humans adapted ingeniously to the diverse and fluctuating conditions of the plateau some 160,000 years ago.
The international research team, including experts from Lanzhou University and the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, discovered a hominin rib fragment dating back approximately 48,000 to 32,000 years ago. This finding sheds light on the Denisovans’ survival strategies during the late Middle and Late Pleistocene in eastern Eurasia.
“Our analyses indicate that Denisovans were remarkably adaptable,” said Zhang Dongju, a researcher from Lanzhou University. “Their genetic legacy is present in modern populations across Oceania, East Asia, South Asia, and the Americas.”
The team conducted multidisciplinary studies at the Baishiya Karst Cave in Xiahe County, Gansu Province. Previous excavations at this site unearthed a mandible fossil, linked to Denisovans in a 2019 Nature publication. The recent excavations revealed over 2,500 animal bones and evidence of sophisticated processing and tool-making techniques.
“Denisovans utilized a wide array of animal resources,” explained Chen Fahu from the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research. “They engaged in activities such as skinning, dismembering, and crafting tools from bones, which likely contributed to their long-term survival on the plateau.”
Among the animal remains, researchers identified more than 20 species, including wild yaks, hyenas, snow leopards, Tibetan foxes, plateau hares, and marmots. The diversity of fauna suggests that Denisovans were adept at exploiting the rich but challenging environment.
These findings are pivotal in enhancing our understanding of Denisovan physical and genetic characteristics, their interactions with early modern humans, and their remarkable adaptations to high-altitude living. The research offers new clues about genetic and cultural exchanges in prehistoric East Asia.
“Unraveling the Denisovans’ story helps us piece together human history in this region,” noted Zhang. “Their ability to adapt and thrive provides valuable insights into human evolution.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
