New finds reveal how Denisovans lived in southwest China

Remains from a cave in southwest China have given researchers a clearer picture of Denisovan life, ERR reported. The ancient human relatives used Bianfu Cave over a period of about 120,000 years, living there between 190,000 and 70,000 years ago.

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences analysed more than 60,000 bone fragments found in the cave. They first sorted the pieces by shape and then used a new protein analysis to identify fragments that definitely belonged to ancient humans.

Among the rare finds was a roughly 4.5-centimetre fragment of a radius. Researchers say it is the first arm bone belonging to a Denisovan ever discovered.

The cave also contained evidence of deliberate hunting. The findings indicate that Denisovans did not rely only on animals they found dead, but actively hunted medium-sized and large prey such as deer.

Researchers said the plateau climate and abundant food helped the Denisovans survive in the region despite severe ice ages. Their practical approach to tools may also have contributed to their survival.

Rather than spending time carefully shaping complex stone tools, they used whatever tools were readily available. These included broken animal bones and sharp stone flakes made when needed.

The researchers published their findings in the journal Nature.