An ancient jawbone discovered off the coast of Taiwan has been confirmed as belonging to a Denisovan, a mysterious ancient human relative. This major discovery pushes the known range of Denisovans deep into Southeast Asia and offers new clues about early human evolution.
In a study published on April 10, 2025, in the journal Science, an international research team confirmed that the fossil known as Penghu 1, found in the Penghu Channel between Taiwan and mainland China, came from a male Denisovan. This is the first Denisovan fossil identified in Southeast Asia and is one of the most complete Denisovan bones found so far.
What Is Penghu 1?
The fossil, a lower jawbone, was discovered by fishermen in 2015. It had been lying on the seabed for thousands of years. Scientists estimate it is between 10,000 to 19,000 years old. Since its discovery, Penghu 1 puzzled scientists due to its unusual shape. It had strong, thick bones and large teeth, different from those of modern humans or Neanderthals.
At first, scientists couldn’t agree on which group of ancient humans it belonged to. DNA testing didn’t work because the fossil had been underwater for so long. However, a new method called ancient protein analysis helped solve the mystery.
How Scientists Identified It as Denisovan
A team of researchers from Japan, Taiwan, and Denmark studied the proteins in the fossil’s bone and teeth. These proteins, especially in the teeth, can survive longer than DNA and still hold genetic clues. By comparing them with known Denisovan samples, scientists confirmed that the jaw came from a male Denisovan.
One of the lead researchers, Takumi Tsutaya, explained that this method can help find out more about ancient humans, especially when DNA can’t be recovered. “Proteins in teeth give us a better picture of who these people were,” he said.
This is the first time a Denisovan fossil has been found outside of Siberia or Tibet, where the only other confirmed remains were discovered. This proves that Denisovans lived much farther south than previously thought.
Why This Discovery Matters
Before this find, Denisovan fossils were rare and fragmentary. They were mostly limited to:
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Denisova Cave in Siberia, where the group was first identified
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Baishiya Karst Cave in Tibet, which showed Denisovans adapted to high altitudes
The Penghu 1 jawbone changes that. It shows Denisovans were not just living in cold, northern regions. They were also present in tropical Southeast Asia, where modern humans were already living.
This fits with recent genetic studies showing that people from Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia carry Denisovan DNA. Scientists have long suspected that ancient humans interbred with Denisovans somewhere in this region. Now they have direct evidence to support that idea.
Denisovans Had Strong Jaws and Big Teeth
The Penghu 1 jaw shows that Denisovans had much stronger jaws and larger teeth than modern humans or even Neanderthals. This means they may have had a different diet or way of life. Their thick bones suggest they were well adapted to their environment, possibly eating tougher food or using their teeth in tool-like ways.
According to Yousuke Kaifu, another researcher on the team, “These jawbones are very different from ours. Denisovans had a strong bite and robust features. They were not just a different type of human—they were built differently.”
What’s Next for Human Evolution Research?
This find encourages scientists to keep exploring Southeast Asia for more clues. Many regions in the area remain unexplored or poorly studied. Underwater fossils like Penghu 1 are especially important, as rising sea levels after the Ice Age may have buried many ancient sites.
Experts believe there could be more Denisovan fossils waiting to be discovered in areas like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
This discovery also shows the value of international teamwork and new scientific methods, like protein analysis. Even when DNA is lost, bones can still reveal important secrets about our shared past.
A Wider View of Human History
The identification of Penghu 1 as a Denisovan brings us one step closer to understanding the ancient family tree of humanity. It shows that ancient human relatives were more widespread, and possibly more complex, than we once thought.
It also reminds us that Taiwan and nearby regions played a key role in human history, long before written records began.
