Denisovans in Yunnan: long-term subsistence and bone-tool use at Bianfu Cave
New fossils from Bianfu Cave in Yunnan (~167–134 ka) and a long cultural sequence (190–70 ka) extend the Denisovan record in eastern Asia. Enamel–dentine junction morphology and palaeoproteomics identify the remains as Denisovan; faunal and pollen data indicate a conifer-dominated forest environment. Inhabitants hunted medium- to large-bodied prey and used expedient core-reduction with extensive use of unmodified bones, signaling an adaptive focus on object affordance over intensive tool production. The site provides crucial insights into Denisovan biology, behavior and ecology and suggests a substantial genetic and cultural legacy in later Southeast Asia and Oceania.
