via Quaternary Science Reviews, 01 June 2024: Sawafuji et al. reviews hominin evolution and dispersal in East and Southeast Asia, highlighting new genetic and fossil discoveries. The study discusses assimilation’s role in hominin extinction and the potential of ancient proteomics and sedimentary DNA to uncover historical migration patterns. h/t ISEAA
In recent years, our understanding of the dispersal and evolution of the hominins in EA/SEA has significantly improved through multiple methodologies. The discovery of Denisovans opened up a new field of research in genomic and morphological studies. Since a Denisovan cranium has yet to be identified, which has hindered morphological comparison with other fossils during the Middle to Late Pleistocene, a cranium certificated by biomolecular methods could be a key specimen for unveiling the muddle of the existing unclassified fossils. Proteomic analysis of hominin fossils and sedaDNA analysis at hominin sites will also elucidate the evolutionary history and admixture events of the genus Homo in EA/SEA. To enhance the resolution of human migration history, it is essential to construct plausible scenarios based on current facts and to clarify the direction of future research. By examining whether the results are consistent or inconsistent with existing scenarios, we can gain a more accurate understanding of history. This review presents such scenarios and lays the groundwork for discussion. Given the fact that there were multiple admixtures among the various hominins, it is likely that hominins rarely coexisted locally with no interactions, but rather experienced repeated admixtures when they met. The geographical conditions of EA/SEA, with its many islands and mountains hindering movements, may have provided a suitable environment for diverse hominins to evolve and thrive. At present, much remains unknown about the spatial and temporal distribution of hominins in EA/SEA due to the relatively sporadic nature of hominin records. Even in the midst of this chaos, the diversity and admixture complexity of the genus Homo in Asia is evident. This also implies the importance of Asia for hominin evolution and dispersal. Given the multiple admixtures between hominins, there is a need to consider the case where a specimen cannot be assigned to a single species. Ancient biomolecules such as DNA and proteins will help to make clear those cases. Fossils with accurate estimates of phylogeny and secure dating in EA/SEA may change the conventional framework of hominin evolution. We are in a transitional period, and in the next decade, with further discoveries, the evolution and spread of the genus Homo in EA/SEA will become much more tangible.
Source: East and Southeast Asian hominin dispersal and evolution: A review – ScienceDirect
