Sarah Kuta writes that new research on Denisovan fossils found in Taiwan suggests these extinct hominins were significantly larger than once thought, potentially dwarfing contemporary species like Homo erectus. By analyzing leg bones from two individuals known as Penghu 2 and Penghu 3, scientists estimate some members of this lineage reached heights over six feet tall.
- The fossils were originally discovered by fishermen in the Penghu Channel
- Findings are currently hosted on the bioRxiv preprint server
- Denisovans were first identified in 2010 from a finger bone found in Siberia
- A vertical ridge called a pilaster was observed on their thigh bones, possibly indicating physical adaptations or interbreeding with Homo sapiens
- The fossils were originally discovered by fishermen in the Penghu Channel
- Findings are currently hosted on the bioRxiv preprint server
- Denisovans were first identified in 2010 from a finger bone found in Siberia
- A vertical ridge called a pilaster was observed on their thigh bones, possibly indicating physical adaptations or interbreeding with Homo sapiens
A 250-million-year-old fossilized embryo from South Africa is the oldest evidence that mammalian ancestors (therapsids like Lystrosaurus) were egg-laying. Using synchrotron X-rays, researchers found jaw developmental traits confirming it died before hatching.
This discovery clarifies the reproductive biology of these ancestors, suggesting they used yolk to nourish embryos instead of milk. The large, leathery eggs may have offered a survival advantage against desiccation during the "Great Dying" mass extinction.
This find offers significant insights into the evolutionary transition toward modern mammalian reproduction and lactation.
This discovery clarifies the reproductive biology of these ancestors, suggesting they used yolk to nourish embryos instead of milk. The large, leathery eggs may have offered a survival advantage against desiccation during the "Great Dying" mass extinction.
This find offers significant insights into the evolutionary transition toward modern mammalian reproduction and lactation.
Within the last 200 years, we’ve discovered about two dozen species of hominins in Europe, Africa, and Asia—which you can see laid out in this map.
