The Denisovans

One of the top ten Stone Age mysteries is the identity of the Denisovans. A team of Russian archaeologists and geneticists found the Denisovans, an ancient human species, in 2010. This species' remains were discovered in the Denisova Cave in the Altai Mountains of Siberia, Russia. The Denisovans were unique from Neanderthals and modern humans, according to mitochondrial DNA analysis from a finger bone unearthed from the cave. In addition to their distinct DNA, the Denisovans possessed physical traits that distinguished them from other hominids, such as bigger teeth and a sturdy frame.

Little is known about this enigmatic species. The only other known specimens are two teeth discovered in a cave in Siberia and a lower jawbone from Tibet. Because of this dearth of evidence, some scholars argue that the Denisovans were a Neanderthal branch or maybe an extinct subspecies of contemporary humans. The Denisovans will remain a mystery until additional proof is unearthed. For the time being, they remain one of the more enigmatical aspects of the 10 Stone Age mysteries.

Date: Early to Middle Paleolithic period

Location: all over Asia