Denisovan Subsistence and Adaptation Revealed through Zooarchaeological and Proteomic Analysis of Baishiya Karst Cave Faunal Remains

Core Concepts

Denisovans were capable of adapting to diverse environments across eastern Eurasia, as evidenced by the zooarchaeological and proteomic analysis of the late Middle to Late Pleistocene faunal assemblage from Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau.

Abstract

The study integrates zooarchaeological and proteomic analyses of the late Middle to Late Pleistocene faunal assemblage from Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan Plateau, where a Denisovan mandible and Denisovan sedimentary mitochondrial DNA were previously found.
The key findings are:

A new hominin rib specimen dated to approximately 48-32 thousand years ago was identified through shotgun proteomic analysis and taxonomically assigned to the Denisovan lineage, extending their presence at the site well into the Late Pleistocene.

The faunal assemblage is dominated by Caprinae (goats and sheep), along with megaherbivores, carnivores, small mammals, and birds. The high proportion of anthropogenic modifications on the bone surfaces suggests that Denisovans were the primary agent of faunal accumulation.

The chaîne opératoire (sequence of operations) of carcass processing indicates that Denisovans exploited animal taxa for their meat, marrow, and hides, while also using bone as raw material for tool production.

These results provide insights into the subsistence strategies and adaptations of Denisovans to the diverse and fluctuating environments of the late Middle and Late Pleistocene in eastern Eurasia.

Stats

The new hominin rib specimen dates to approximately 48–32 thousand years ago.
The faunal assemblage is dominated by Caprinae, together with megaherbivores, carnivores, small mammals and birds.

Quotes

"The high proportion of anthropogenic modifications on the bone surfaces suggests that Denisovans were the primary agent of faunal accumulation."
"The chaîne opératoire of carcass processing indicates that animal taxa were exploited for their meat, marrow and hides, while bone was also used as raw material for the production of tools."

Key Insights Distilled From

Middle and Late Pleistocene Denisovan subsistence at Baishiya Karst Cave - Nature

by Huan Xia,Don... at www.nature.com 07-03-2024

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07612-9

Deeper Inquiries

How did the Denisovan subsistence strategies and adaptations at Baishiya Karst Cave compare to those of other contemporary hominin populations in eastern Eurasia?

The Denisovan subsistence strategies and adaptations at Baishiya Karst Cave differed from those of other contemporary hominin populations in eastern Eurasia in several ways. The zooarchaeological and proteomic analyses revealed that Denisovans at Baishiya Karst Cave primarily relied on a variety of animal resources, including Caprinae, megaherbivores, carnivores, small mammals, and birds. This diverse range of fauna suggests that Denisovans had a flexible diet and were capable of exploiting different ecological niches. Additionally, the high proportion of anthropogenic modifications on the bone surfaces indicates that Denisovans were actively involved in the accumulation and processing of faunal remains, showcasing their hunting and butchering skills. In contrast, other contemporary hominin populations in eastern Eurasia may have had different subsistence strategies and adaptations based on the available resources in their respective environments.

What environmental and climatic factors may have influenced the Denisovan's ability to thrive in the diverse and fluctuating environments of the Tibetan Plateau?

Several environmental and climatic factors may have influenced the Denisovan's ability to thrive in the diverse and fluctuating environments of the Tibetan Plateau. The presence of a wide range of animal resources in the faunal assemblage at Baishiya Karst Cave suggests that Denisovans were able to adapt to different ecological conditions, indicating their resilience to environmental changes. The fluctuating climate of the Late Pleistocene, characterized by alternating cold and warm periods, may have also played a role in shaping Denisovan adaptations. The availability of resources such as meat, marrow, hides, and bone for tool production would have been influenced by these environmental factors, driving the Denisovans to develop versatile subsistence strategies to survive in such dynamic landscapes.

What insights can the Baishiya Karst Cave findings provide about the broader cultural and technological capabilities of the Denisovan lineage?

The Baishiya Karst Cave findings offer valuable insights into the broader cultural and technological capabilities of the Denisovan lineage. The discovery of a new hominin rib specimen dating to the Late Pleistocene, taxonomically assigned to the Denisovan lineage through shotgun proteomic analysis, extends the known presence of Denisovans at the site. The evidence of carcass processing and the utilization of animal resources for meat, marrow, hides, and tool production highlights the sophisticated cultural and technological skills of the Denisovans. The chaîne opératoire of faunal exploitation indicates a systematic approach to resource extraction, suggesting a level of social organization and knowledge transfer within the Denisovan community. Overall, the Baishiya Karst Cave findings underscore the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Denisovans in navigating the challenges of the late Middle and Late Pleistocene environments in eastern Eurasia.