New Findings on Modern Human Evolution in Southern China

In a significant breakthrough, researchers at the University of Bordeaux, in collaboration with other institutions, have made new discoveries in the field of biological anthropology, shedding light on the evolution of modern humans in southern China during the Late Pleistocene. The study, published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, has identified two human teeth embedded in mandibular fragments from Jianshan Cave, which have been dated to 33.5-19.5 ka. The findings suggest that the teeth exhibit stronger affinities to those of modern humans than to other Late Pleistocene hominins, highlighting the morphological diversity of humans in southern China during this period.

Key Takeaways:

• The study provides new evidence on the evolution of modern humans in southern China during the Late Pleistocene, a period that is still poorly understood.
• The two human teeth, dated to 33.5-19.5 ka, are the first well-preserved fossils of their kind to be discovered in Jianshan Cave.
• Morphological comparisons and 3D imaging-based analyses indicate that the teeth belong to Homo sapiens.
• The study suggests that there may have been multiple waves of modern human dispersal in the region, given the significant differences in lithic assemblages between Jianshan Cave and Bailiandong.
• The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, a prestigious academic journal.

Statistics:

• The teeth were dated to 33.5-19.5 ka, indicating that they are among the oldest human fossils found in southern China.
• The study used an integrated approach, including AMS C dating of charcoals, OSL of sediments, and U-series dating of fossils for chronological constraints.
• The analysis involved morphological comparisons and 3D imaging-based analyses, as well as diffeomorphic surface matching analyses of the enamel-dentine junction shape.
• The results suggest that the Jianshan teeth exhibit similarities and differences with teeth from other sites, highlighting the morphological diversity of Late Pleistocene humans in southern China.

Sources:

• Modern Human Dentognathic Remains From MIS 3-2 of Jianshan Cave, Southern China. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 2025;188(2).
• Clement Zanolli, University of Bordeaux, National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), MCC, PACEA, UMR-5199, Pessac, France.
• American Journal of Biological Anthropology, Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.