A huge fossilized skull that had been hidden in a Chinese well for 90 years has just been discovered by scientists. And it makes them rethink the evolution of mankind.
Researchers said the skull was originally discovered during the Japanese occupation in 1933 by Chinese workers who bridged the city of Harbin in northern China. It was hidden in an abandoned well to prevent the skull from falling into the hands of the Japanese. It was rediscovered only in 2018 when the old man who first hid it told his grandson shortly before his death.
A very well preserved fossil has been labeled as a new human species, Homolongi, According to Chinese researchers. This species is called “Dragonman” from the province of northern China where the skull was found, Heilongjiang Province, or the “Black Dragon River” region in English.
The map shows where the Harbin skull was found. Strong wisdom
so series of threearticle Scientists published in a research journal in Innovation magazine on Friday claimed that the skull belongs to a man about 50 years old. Researchers say the nose was wide enough to breathe unrestrained during strenuous activity and was rugged enough to withstand winter in frigid regions.
One of the most notable aspects of the Harbin skull is its enormous size, 9 inches long and 6 inches wide, which is significantly larger than the modern human skull.
The skull also has about 1,420 milliliters or 48 fluid ounces of brain activity. Although it falls into the range of modern human brain activity, the skull also has many primitive features that make a unique link between modern and Neanderthals.
Photo of Harbin skull. Strong wisdom
Underneath the thick forehead ridge, there is a large square-eyed socket on the face, which is delicate despite its size.
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“Unlike all other names Homo Species, “the researchers wrote. A mix of ancient and modern features, such as a “gentlely curved” but “largely developed” forehead ridge and a low, flat cheekbone with a “shallow” depression beneath it. .. Round skull, researchers said the Harbin skull is long and low.
An international research team led by Professor Qiang Ji of Hebei Geo University in China uses geochemical techniques to make the skull at least 146,000 years old.
An illustration of what “Dragon Man” looked like. Strong wisdom
When scientists use software programs to compare fossils to other 95 skulls, the Harbin skull and some other Chinese skulls appear to form new branches that are closer to modern humans than Neanderthals. I found out.
The Chinese team said Harbin’s skull is unique enough to qualify as a new species. But others are not convinced. Professor Chris Stringer, a research leader at the Natural History Museum in London and also involved in this project, Said to the guardian The skull may resemble another skull found in China in 1978.
“What is important is the third lineage of later humans, separate from the Neanderthals and from Homo sapiens,” he said.
The giant “Dragonman” skull found in China may be a branch of new human evolutionSource link The giant “Dragonman” skull found in China may be a branch of new human evolution
