Scientists Discover New Big Headed Human Species in China Sparking Huge Debate on Hominid Evolution

Discoveries in Human evolution never cease to be exciting and the latest talk of the anthropology fraternity is the discovery of a new human species in China. Dating back almost 300,000 years ago, the new species named as Homo Julensis is distinguished by notably large skulls and brains. Discovered in Northern China, it sheds new light to reshape our understanding of human evolution.

Unearthing the ‘Big-Headed’ Humans

The fossils, dating back nearly 200,000 years in Eastern Asia, were discovered by Professor Christopher J. Bae of the University of Hawai’i. Professor Bae Stumbled upon the remains of what appeared to be an ancient human-like species while researching at a site in Xujiayao, Northern China. Research confirmed Bae’s discovery naming the new human species’ Homo juluensis’, which lived approximately 300,000 years ago in eastern Asia.

Initially Discovered in the Seventies

The discovery was first made in the 1970s at two sites in northern China, believed to be ancient horse hunting grounds. However, it wasn’t until recent analyses that scientists recognized these remains as representing a distinct human species. The name Homo juluensis derives from “Ju Lu,” meaning “huge head” in Chinese, aptly describing their prominent cranial features.

Physical Characteristics and Lifestyle

According to the research at the University of Honolulu and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Homo Juluensis skulls measured between 103 and 109 cubic inches. Comparing this to the cranium of a Neanderthal (88 cubic inches) and a Homo Sapien (82 cubic inches), this meant they possessed larger brains and teeth compared to modern humans. However, as Bae says, larger brains did not mean they were more intelligent. It was just a unique feature of their anatomy.

Their robust build and substantial dentition suggest they were adept hunters, possibly engaging in group hunts of large prey like wild horses. It’s hypothesized that they consumed most of their prey, including bones and cartilage, and utilized animal remains for clothing and tool-making.

Coexistence with Other Human Species

The research found that Homo Juluensis was not connected to Neanderthals, who existed in Europe and Asia around 40,000 years ago. Instead, they displayed similarities with Denisovans because of their matching teeth traits. Denisovans had more prominent teeth and molars, much like Homo Juluensis. The research showed how the new species lived in Asia in small groups before they went extinct 200,000 years ago. Moreover, data shows how Denisova is not a specific species but is a general term given to a population of ancient people which researchers argue might also belong to Homo juluensis based on their similarities.’

Extinction

This period in eastern Asia was marked by diverse human populations, indicating a complex web of interactions and evolutionary developments. The extinction of Homo Juluensis now remains a subject of debate with the big question, how did they go extinct? Some scientists propose that severe cold conditions in northern China, potentially involving catastrophic snowstorms, led to their demise.

Implications for Human Evolution

The discovery of Homo juluensis challenges the traditional linear model of human evolution, suggesting a more intricate evolutionary process with multiple human species coexisting and interacting. This finding underscores the rich diversity of ancient human populations in eastern Asia and prompts a reevaluation of existing evolutionary models.

While the identification of Homo Juluensis provides valuable insights, researchers acknowledge the need for more complete fossils and genetic data to understand their place in human evolution fully. Ongoing excavations and analyses aim to uncover further details about this enigmatic species and their interactions with contemporaneous human groups. This remarkable discovery enriches our understanding of human diversity in the past and highlights the dynamic and interconnected nature of human evolution.