A new ancient human species, Homo zuluensis, has been identified by researchers, marking an important step forward in understanding human evolution in the Middle Pleistocene era. The discovery is based on fossil evidence found in China, with specimens dating back 220,000 to 100,000 years, according to the findings, published in Paleoanthropology in May 2024. The species, known as the “big-headed people”, is characterized by large skulls, a mix of features seen in modern humans, Neanderthals, and Denisovans.
Fossil evidence and characteristics
According to the report, the fossils that form the basis of this new classification were recovered from sites in Xujiao and Xuchang in northern and central China. Excavations at Xujiao in the 1970s yielded more than 10,000 stone tools and 21 fossil fragments, representing at least 10 individuals. These fossils display large, broad skulls with Neanderthal-like features, yet also share traits with modern humans and Denisovans. Four additional ancient skulls discovered at Xuchang display similar features.
The research team, led by anthropologist Christopher Bay of the University of Hawaii and paleontologist Xiujie Wu of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, concluded that these fossils represent a distinct hominin population. The findings indicate possible continuity of hybridization among Middle Pleistocene hominins, which shaped human evolution in East Asia.
Nomenclature and expert perspective
In a statement to Nature Communications published in November 2024, the researchers advocated using Homo juluensis to clarify the complex fossil record of East Asia. While some experts, such as Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London, have suggested that the fossils may more closely align with Homo longi, the designation of Homo juluensis has gained traction.
According to Bay, in a statement, the name was introduced to improve scientific communication. Paleoanthropologist John Hawkes of the University of Wisconsin–Madison noted in a blog post that such terminology allows for clear reference to this population’s place in the human evolutionary narrative. The discovery underlines the complex relationships within ancient hominin groups and their evolutionary significance.
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