What are recent discoveries of human evolution?(2)

there are several other recent discoveries that have significantly advanced our understanding of human evolution:

Denisovan DNA in Southeast Asia:

Researchers have found new genetic evidence of Denisovans, a mysterious human ancestor, in the DNA of Southeast Asian island populations. Denisovans are believed to have interbred with early humans, leaving behind distinct genetic markers. This finding supports the idea that Homo sapiens intermingled with Denisovans after leaving Africa.

(NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY NEWSROOM)

New Homo Species in China:

In 2021, scientists announced the discovery of the Homo longi (nicknamed “Dragon Man”) skull in China. The fossil, estimated to be at least 146,000 years old, was found to have unique features distinct from both Neanderthals and modern humans. This discovery suggests that Homo longi could represent a new lineage of human ancestors that coexisted with early humans.

(PLOS SCICOMM)

Brain Evolution Insights from Fossil Endocasts:

Fossil endocasts (impressions of the braincase) from early human ancestors are helping researchers understand how brain shape and size evolved. A study using these casts suggests that the modern human brain underwent significant changes in organization and function over the past 1.5 million years, likely linked to advances in tool use and social behavior.

(PLOS SCICOMM)

These discoveries, along with others mentioned earlier, continue to challenge older narratives about how and when key human traits, such as cognition, symbolic thinking, and interspecies interaction, developed.