Science
Ancient teeth link East Asian Homo erectus to Denisovans
ScienceDaily reports that ancient dental proteins suggest early human populations in China shared a genetic lineage with Denisovans.
The short version
- Researchers analyzed six Homo erectus teeth dating back at least 400,000 years across three Chinese fossil sites.[ScienceDaily]
- Using an acid etching technique that preserved fossil shapes, scientists identified two molecular mutations in the specimens.[ScienceDaily]
- One mutation was previously identified only in Denisovans, suggesting a possible genetic exchange with Homo erectus.[ScienceDaily]
Key facts
- Researchers extracted molecular data from six Homo erectus teeth dating back at least 400,000 years from Zhoukoudian, Hexian, and Sunjiadong.[ScienceDaily]
- The team used an acid etching method requiring minimal material while leaving fossil structures intact.[ScienceDaily]
- Scientists detected two mutations, including a novel variant named AMBN A253G.[ScienceDaily]
- The AMBN M273V mutation, formerly believed to be unique to Denisovans, was discovered in the Homo erectus samples.[ScienceDaily]
What remains uncertain
- The extent and timing of prehistoric admixture between Homo erectus and Denisovans remain theoretical interpretations of the protein data.[ScienceDaily]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- 400,000-year-old teeth reveal a hidden link in human evolutionScienceDaily - Environment