DNA Confirms Dragon Man Skull Belonged to Mysterious Denisovan Lineage

In a major breakthrough for human evolutionary science, researchers have confirmed through DNA analysis that the massive 146,000-year-old skull discovered in China belongs to the Denisovans — an extinct lineage of humans that, like the Neanderthals, once lived alongside our ancestors.

The skull, nicknamed "Dragon Man" for its discovery location near the Dragon River, is remarkably well-preserved and provides the first clear picture of what Denisovans looked like. Previously, scientists knew this human lineage only from fragmentary remains and DNA traces.

“The skull, nicknamed "Dragon Man" for its discovery location near the Dragon River, is remarkably well-preserved and provides the first clear picture of what Denisovans looked like.”

"This is like meeting a relative you've only known from letters," said one researcher. "We finally have a face to go with the genetic story we've been piecing together."