For more than a century, scientists have been studying Neanderthals and their existence across Eurasia. When the genome sequence of Neanderthals was discovered, it was a groundbreaking moment to learn about our genetic ties with them. However, Denisovans, another relative of modern humans, remained a mystery until DNA analysis from a finger bone revealed their presence in Asia.
Since then, our knowledge about Denisovans has been limited due to the scarcity of their remains. The recent discovery in a cave on the Tibetan Plateau sheds light on their dietary habits, suggesting they consumed a variety of food sources. The Baishiya Karst Cave, where the findings were made, is located at a high altitude of over 3,000 meters and was previously a pilgrimage site for Tibetan monks.
The Xiahe mandible, a significant Denisovan fossil found at the site, has provided valuable insights into the presence of Denisovans in the region. Excavations at the cave have uncovered a diverse collection of animal bones, indicating long-term occupation by Denisovans over 100,000 years. This suggests their ability to adapt and survive at high altitudes during different climatic periods.
Researchers used a technique called mass spectrometry to analyze protein fragments from the bones found at the site. By comparing the mass of these fragments with known collagen sequences, they were able to identify the species to which the bones belonged. This approach, known as zooarchaeology by mass spectrometry (ZooMS), successfully identified nearly 80 percent of the bone fragments tested.
The study of Denisovans in the Baishiya Karst Cave provides valuable information about their lifestyle, dietary preferences, and ability to thrive in challenging environments. The findings contribute to our understanding of human evolution and the diverse range of hominid species that once inhabited the Earth. Further research at the site may uncover additional details about the mysterious Denisovans and their significance in the history of human evolution.
