Denisovan Leg Bones Suggest They Were Larger Than Neighboring Hominins
A recent study published on bioRxiv on August 8 indicates that certain Denisovans were quite large. The research, based on fossilized leg bones from two males, Penghu 2 and Penghu 3, dates back to between 45,000 and 43,000 years ago. Penghu 2 is estimated to have weighed approximately 183 pounds and stood nearly 5 feet 11 inches tall, whereas Penghu 3 is believed to have weighed around 200 pounds and measured over 6 feet 2 inches. These individuals were considerably larger than other hominins such as Homo erectus. Adam Brumm characterized them as 'big and imposing,' suggesting that their size may have been advantageous for hunting. The bones exhibit human-like characteristics, potentially indicating interbreeding with Homo sapiens. John Hawks remarked that these discoveries enhance our understanding of Denisovans in East and Southeast Asia.
Key facts
- Study published on bioRxiv on August 8, not peer reviewed
- Based on leg bones of two Denisovan individuals: Penghu 2 and Penghu 3
- Lived between 45,000 and 43,000 years ago
- Bones found in Penghu Channel, now in National Museum of Natural Science in Taiwan
- Penghu 2: ~183 lbs, ~5'11"; Penghu 3: ~200 lbs, >6'2"
- Denisovans were nearly a foot taller and >60 lbs heavier than Homo erectus
- Adam Brumm (Griffith University) called them 'big and imposing humans'
- John Hawks (University of Wisconsin–Madison) noted the findings fill a gap in Denisovan knowledge in East/Southeast Asia
Entities
Institutions
- National Museum of Natural Science
- Griffith University
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
Locations
- Penghu Channel
- Taiwan
- Russia
- Tibet
- China
- Southeast Asia
- Flores