In China, researchers have identified a new human species, The man of July. Discovered in the Xujiayao site, this species would have lived around 200,000 years ago. The fossils, exceptional in their state of preservation and their number, reveal new physical and cultural characteristics, calling into question established theories on human evolution.
Distinctive anatomy that intrigues scientists
The fossils studied, including the remains of 16 individuals, demonstrate unique anatomical features. The skulls of The man of July have an impressive volume, between 103 and 109 cubic inches, well above the 88 cubic inches of Neanderthals or the 82 cubic inches of modern humans. This cranial capacity, combined with broad jaws and oversized teeth, poses an evolutionary enigma.
The researchers point out that these characteristics do not find direct parallels among other known human species. The man of July appears to have occupied a unique evolutionary niche, differentiating itself from other human groups while sharing some intriguing similarities, notably with the Denisovans.
A way of life adapted to climatic challenges
In addition to human remains, archaeologists have unearthed stone tools, animal bones and traces of human activities. These findings suggest that The man of July was a skilled hunter, feeding mainly on wild horses. People consumed every part of the slaughtered animals, including the marrow and cartilage, and used the hides to make clothing suitable for harsh winters.
The Xujiayao region, known for its extreme climatic variations, probably shaped the lifestyles of this population. Their ability to adapt to difficult conditions demonstrates a high degree of ingenuity and resilience.
Evolutionary diversity in East Asia
Comparisons with other human groups reveal surprising connections. The molars of The man of Julylarge and robust, share striking similarities with those of the Denisovans, an ancient human population discovered in Siberia. These similarities raise the possibility that the Denisovans are not a distinct species but a regional variant of The man of July.
Fossils also suggest much richer evolutionary diversity in eastern Asia than previously thought. According to Christopher Bae, co-author of the study published in Naturethis region could have hosted several human lineages simultaneously, complicating the traditional diagram of human evolution.
For what The man of July has disappeared
Despite its ingenious adaptations, The man of July would have faced insurmountable pressures. The drastic climatic changes of the late Quaternary, combined with competition with the expanding Homo sapiens, would have led to its extinction. Around 120,000 years BC, the migrations of modern humans out of Africa disrupted local ecosystems, marginalizing already established populations.
An upheaval for the study of human evolution
This exceptional discovery offers unprecedented insight into the diversity and interaction of human groups in Asia. It invites scientists to rethink the evolutionary tree, highlighting complex connections and periods of coexistence between species. The man of Julyas a witness to a vanished humanity, enriches our understanding of the history of our species.
With this new data, the mysteries of human evolution deepen while shedding light on unexplored parts of our past.
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