Scientists in China uncovered a 1-million-year-old skull that could reshape our understanding of human evolution. The discovery, called Yunxian 2, reveals a previously unknown branch of the human family tree. Researchers say it challenges the accepted timeline and highlights the complexity of early human development. Human evolution now appears far more intricate than previously believed, according to the team.
In 1990, workers discovered the fossil in Yunxian County in Hubei Province, but scientists struggled to analyze it. Fossilization crushed the skull and obscured key features. Researchers initially classified it as Homo erectus, but they later revised its classification after performing detailed digital reconstruction. Scientists used high-resolution CT scans and 3D modeling to assemble the damaged fragments, advancing studies in human evolution.
By studying cracks, mineral deposits, and preserved bone sections, researchers digitally reconstructed the skull. They measured its shape using hundreds of geometric landmarks. The team conducted over 10,000 simulations to verify the model’s precision. Their meticulous work revealed that the skull belongs to the Homo longi clade, also known as Dragon Man. Scientists now suggest updating the timelines of early human development based on these results.
The rebuilt skull combines primitive and advanced features that shed light on human evolution. It has a low, flat forehead and a protruding face similar to older Homo erectus or Homo heidelbergensis fossils. At the same time, it exhibits flatter cheekbones, a broader back, and a larger brain exceeding 1,100 cubic centimeters. These traits connect it closely to Homo longi and other Middle and Late Pleistocene humans, providing new evidence in human evolution studies.
Lead researcher Ni Xijun explained that by 1 million years ago, human ancestors had already branched into separate lineages. The discovery offers new insights into the development of early humans between 1 million and 300,000 years ago, a period scientists previously understood poorly. Researchers now consider most Middle Pleistocene Asian fossils to belong to the Homo longi clade, reshaping the broader story of early human ancestry.
The research team includes specialists from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese universities, and the Natural History Museum in London. The study suggests that the Denisovans, an ancient Asian population, may share the same clade as Yunxian 2, adding depth to our understanding of human evolution.
Experts say this discovery emphasizes the complexity of human evolution. It raises questions about early migration, adaptation, and interactions among lineages. Scientists expect future research to uncover more fossils to map our ancient history. Human evolution now faces a richer and more intricate narrative than ever before.
