Archaic human remains from Hualongdong, China, and Middle Pleistocene human continuity and variation
Abstract
Human evolution through the Middle to the Late Pleistocene in East Asia has been seen as reflecting diverse groups and discontinuities vs. a continuity of form reflecting an evolving population. New Middle Pleistocene (∼300,000 y old) human remains from Hualongdong (HLD), China, provide further evidence for regional variation and the continuity of human biology through East Asian archaic humans. The HLD 6 skull is notable for its low and wide neurocranial vault and pronounced brow ridge, but less projecting face and modest chin. Along with the isolated teeth, the skull provides morphologically simple teeth with reduced or absent third molars. The remains foreshadow changes evident with modern human emergence, but primarily reinforce Old World continuity through Middle to Late Pleistocene humans.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- May 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.1902396116
- Bibcode:
- 2019PNAS..116.9820W