Denisovan Remains Discovered in Taiwan Expand Known Range of Extinct Human Species

Recent research has confirmed the presence of Denisovans, an extinct early human species, in Taiwan. This discovery, spearheaded by a UCD-based archaeologist, significantly broadens the known geographical distribution of this ancient group.

Meaghan Mackie, a PhD candidate, conducted protein analysis on ancient skeletal remains unearthed in Taiwan. Her analysis conclusively identified the remains as belonging to a Denisovan individual.

The findings, published in Science, mark the first Denisovan remains found in a warmer, humid climate, extending their known range by about 2,000 km. Prior to this, most Denisovan remains were discovered in the Denisova Cave in Siberia in 2008.

The wide geographic and environmental range, from Siberia to Taiwan, highlights the adaptability of the Denisovans. Scientists suggest that interbreeding between Denisovans and Homo sapiens occurred, leaving genetic traces in modern Asian populations.

The reasons behind the Denisovan extinction remain unclear due to the scarcity of discovered remains. Potential factors include competition with Homo sapiens and Neanderthals, environmental changes, and diseases.

Despite human adaptability, the Denisovan extinction offers valuable insights for modern humans. External factors beyond genetics can profoundly influence a species' survival.