Israeli researchers have come across the skull of a previously undiscovered ancient human group, according to the BBC.
An abstract by researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem published in Science Magazine Journal explained that the skull, which was found in Nesher Ramla, “presents a distinctive combination of Neanderthal and archaic features.”
Based on these findings, researchers suggested that the skull is from late survivors of a Homo genus group based in the Levant that were likely involved in evolution of the genus in Europe and Asia during the Middle Pleistocene age. The fossilized parietal bones, mandible, and lower second molar found are around 140,000 to 210,000 years old, according to the abstract.
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“It has long been believed that Neanderthals originated and flourished on the European continent,” it said. “However, recent morphological and genetic studies have suggested that they may have received a genetic contribution from a yet unknown non-European group.”
Part of the recent research into the fossilized remains includes a paper detailing radiometric ages, stone tool assemblages, faunal assemblages, and other behavioral and environmental data associated with the fossils.
“This evidence shows that these hominins had fully mastered technology that until only recently was linked to either Homo sapiens or Neanderthals,” according to the abstract. It also indicates that the specimen found in Nesher Ramla “was an efficient hunter of large and small game, used wood for fuel, cooked or roasted meat, and maintained fires.”
These ancient beings could have culturally interacted with different human lineages during the Middle Pleistocene, based on the findings.
Another skull found in Harbin, China, has also been recently dated to the Middle Pleistocene age, according to a research abstract published Friday in The Innovation journal. Scientists believe this skull belonged to a 50-year-old man and it has been labelled a has been labeled a new human species, Homo longi, by Chinese researchers, according to CBS News.
Although the Chinese skull -- dubbed "Dragon Man skull" due to its location in the Heilongjiang (Black Dragon River) region -- falls within the human range for cranial capacity, it also has some Neanderthal features.
Researchers think the Dragon skull is at least 146,000 years old. It was first discovered in 1933 but hidden in a well during Japanese occupation of the region, where it has remained for 90 years, said CBS.
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