Archaeology Reveals for the First Time the Survival Picture of Denisovans in Southern China

An international team led by the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, recently carried out multidisciplinary research at the Bat Cave site in Heqing, Yunnan, and for the first time systematically revealed the physical characteristics, technological behavior, and survival strategies of Denisovans in southern China. The findings were published in the journal Nature on the evening of September 9, Beijing time. The study shows that the Bat Cave site is located on the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, with a stratigraphic age range spanning roughly from 190,000 years ago to 70,000 years ago. Among the human fossils unearthed at the site, several specimens were identified through paleoproteomics as Denisovans, providing direct evidence for archaeological research on Denisovans in southern East Asia and transforming clues that had previously come mainly from genetics into more complete archaeological evidence. Archaeological analysis also found that the stone tool technology used by this population remained stable over a long period, mainly characterized by flake removal and processing techniques, reflecting strong adaptability and pragmatic traits. At the same time, animal remains from the site indicate that the local ancient humans mainly hunted medium to largesized ungulates such as deer and bovids, and formed large bone accumulations through butchering and consumption. The research team believes that the Bat Cave site provides key materials for understanding the survival style, technological traditions, and adaptation to environmental change of Denisovans in southern East Asia, and also helps supplement the archaeological background for the Denisovan genetic contribution found in modern populations of Southeast Asia and Oceania.