The Chinese archaeologists claimed to have unearthed a new species of human, Homo juluensis, with bigger brains and heads in northern China.
According to researchers, the nearly 200,000-year-old fossils belonged to this extinct group, which likely lived alongside Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. These human species are thought to have bigger brains and large teeth to complement their massive skulls.
The species derived its name from its defining feature, as “Ju Lu” translates to “huge head” in Chinese, reported South China Morning Post.
The experts estimated that these species were the first humans to roam this planet between 200,000 and 160,000 years ago.
Christopher Bae, an anthropology professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, described Homo juluensis as a robust population of hominids. However, he clarified that their larger brains did not necessarily indicate greater intelligence.
Researchers believed the species might have been skilled hunters, relying on group strategies to hunt wild horses. Their large teeth likely enabled them to consume most parts of the animals, including bones and cartilage, and use other parts for clothes and tools.
Archaeologists said that harsh winters, including possible snowstorms in northern China, might have driven their extinction.
Homo sapiens, the modern human race, first evolved around 200,000 years ago.
