DENISOVA HOMININS

Who were they?

• An extinct archaic human group closely related to Neanderthals.
• Lived across Asia during Lower–Middle Paleolithic.
• Known mostly through DNA, because fossil remains are extremely limited.
• Proposed names: Homo denisova / Homo altaiensis, but no formal species name yet.

Discovery

• 2010: First identified from a juvenile female finger bone in Denisova Cave, Altai Mountains, Siberia.
• mtDNA revealed a new hominin, genetically distinct from both modern humans and Neanderthals.
• Later, more Denisovan individuals identified from the same cave using ancient DNA.

Baishiya Cave Discovery (Tibet)

• A partial mandible found in 1980 (reported in 2019).
• Protein analysis linked it to Denisovans.
• Dated to >160,000 years—proof that Denisovans lived on the Tibetan Plateau.

Specimens Identified

• Denisova 2, 3, 4, 8, 11 — identified entirely from DNA.
• Denisova 11 is famous for being a hybrid (Neanderthal mother + Denisovan father).

Geographical Distribution

• Direct fossils from:
  ✔ Siberia (Denisova Cave)
  ✔ Tibetan Plateau (Baishiya Cave)
• Genetic evidence suggests wider range across East Asia, possibly into Southeast Asia and Western Eurasia.

Key Anatomical Features (known from limited fossils)

(Most reconstructions come from DNA, not skeletal remains)

Teeth & Jaw

• Very large molars – more robust than modern humans or Neanderthals.
• Retromolar gap behind last molar (Neanderthal-like).
• Flattened front teeth.
• Mandible lacks high vertical build; chin area more receding.

Skull fragments

• Brow ridges prominent (Neanderthal-like).
• No strong nuchal/occipital tori—skull more rounded like H. sapiens.
• Estimated cranial capacity ~1800 cc (exceptionally large).

Finger bone

• Shape within modern human female range—contrasts with their robust teeth.

Genetic Features

• Dark skin, hair, and eyes (inferred from DNA).
• Shared many genes with Neanderthals; sister group to them.
• Carried the EPAS1 high-altitude adaptation gene later inherited by Tibetans.

Significance

• Best evidence for Denisovans is genetic, not fossil.
• Contributed genes to modern populations:
  • Tibetans (high-altitude adaptation)
  • Melanesians & Aboriginal Australians (3–5% Denisovan DNA)
• Important for understanding Asian human evolution and interbreeding between archaic groups.