Chinese archaeologists have announced the discovery of a new human species, Homo juluensis, distinguished by its significantly larger brains and skulls. The nearly 200,000-year-old fossils, unearthed in northern China, are believed to belong to a group that coexisted with both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The species is named juluensis after the Chinese term “Ju Lu,” which translates to “huge head,” reflecting its defining characteristic of larger skulls.
Scientists also noted that Homo juluensis had larger teeth to complement their massive skulls. The species is estimated to have lived between 200,000 and 160,000 years ago. Christopher Bae, a professor of anthropology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, described them as a robust population of hominids but clarified that their larger brains did not necessarily correlate with greater intelligence.
Researchers suggest that Homo juluensis may have been skilled hunters, likely employing group strategies to hunt wild horses. Their large teeth enabled them to consume nearly all parts of their prey, including bones and cartilage, and use other parts for clothing and tools. The species is thought to have disappeared around 120,000 years ago, coinciding with the migration of modern humans.
Archaeologists believe that harsh winters, possibly including snowstorms in northern China, could have contributed to their extinction. This discovery provides new insights into the diverse hominid populations that once roamed the Earth.
