With their massive skulls and imposing teeth, the Homo juluensis, unearthed in northern China, are rewriting the history of human evolution.
The first traces of this species come from fossils discovered in the 1970s at two sites in China. These remains, associated with thousands of tools and bones, demonstrate an organized way of life. The Homo juluensis hunted in groups, using stone tools to capture and process horses, a crucial resource for surviving harsh winters.
One of the most striking features of this species is the size of their skull, which exceeded that of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. With an estimated cranial capacity between 1700 and 1800 cm³, these hominins had a robust physique, well-adapted to their icy environment. However, this impressive characteristic does not necessarily imply superior intelligence.
Recent studies have also revealed striking similarities between the teeth of Homo juluensis and those of the mysterious Denisovans, discovered in Siberia. According to researchers, these resemblances suggest that Denisovans might be a subpopulation of Homo juluensis, a point of debate that challenges certain Western classifications.
This hypothesis also raises tensions around nomenclature. In Asia, voices are calling for Homo juluensis to be recognized as a distinct species, independent of the Denisovan designation.
Despite their resilience, the Homo juluensis lived in small groups. This social organization made them vulnerable to extreme climatic events, such as snowstorms, likely contributing to their extinction approximately 120,000 years ago. At that time, Homo sapiens were beginning their migration out of Africa, profoundly altering local populations through genetic exchange.
Today, traces of this legacy remain: the Asian human genome contains higher percentages of ancient DNA than that of European populations. However, the rarity of Homo juluensis fossils still limits our understanding of their role in human evolution.
As scientists continue their research, this new species invites us to rethink the complexity of our genealogical tree. The Homo juluensis remind us that humanity's history is far more diverse and interconnected than previously imagined.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND