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Scientists have confirmed the identity of the 'Dragon Man' skull, a 146,000-year-old hominin discovered in China. Analysis of its DNA and proteins reveals it belongs to the Denisovans, an enigmatic group of ancient humans. This finding provides the first comprehensive morphological blueprint for Denisovans, showing their appearance and expanding the known geographical range of this hominin species across Asia. The discovery also prompts a reevaluation of human evolution during the Middle Pleistocene, a period marked by interbreeding among different hominin groups.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.