Chapter 1: Introduction to Homo Longi

The Homo longi skull, unearthed in China 90 years ago, has recently been identified as belonging to a previously unrecognized human species. This intriguing discovery raises questions about how this ancient species is related to modern humans.

The ongoing saga of human evolution remains rife with mysteries. New fossils are frequently uncovered, and forgotten details of past finds often come to light. These revelations enhance our understanding of our ancestors’ appearances, lifestyles, and migratory patterns. Recently, Homo longi has captured the attention of researchers once more, largely due to the latest facial reconstruction of the so-called Dragon Man, named after Long Jiang, or the Dragon River, located in Heilongjiang province, China.

Section 1.1: The Discovery of the Skull

The journey of researching Homo longi began in 1933, when an almost intact skull was discovered on the Chinese Plain, dating back at least 146,000 years. This significant find was purely by chance; it occurred during the construction of a bridge over the Songhua River, where workers stumbled upon the skull. Its significance remained obscured for many years due to the challenging wartime climate that hindered research. Ultimately, the skull made its way to paleontologists in 2018, leading to its identification as a new human species just a few years later.

Subsection 1.1.1: Anatomical Features of Homo Longi

Anatomically, H. longi shares traits with other mid-Pleistocene specimens found in China. Its skull is notably low and elongated, featuring pronounced brow ridges, wide eye sockets, and prominent lips. Remarkably, it holds the title for the longest skull discovered among all human species. Research indicates that the Dragon Man had a flat facial structure similar to that of modern humans, albeit with a more pronounced nose. The brain volume of this species was recorded at 1420 cm³, which aligns with measurements seen in both modern humans and Neanderthals.

Chapter 2: The Artistic Reconstruction

In an effort to make the reconstruction more engaging for the public, Moraes added hair and color to the model. This artistic enhancement highlighted key features of the Dragon Man's appearance, while also providing insights into its anatomical structure. The final version of the model indicated a head circumference of 65.1 centimeters, the largest recorded among all known hominids, comparable to that of gorillas and lions.

What factors led to the development of such impressive cranial dimensions in H. longi? Experts suggest that these traits may have been adaptations to the extreme climatic conditions of the region. The area where the skull was discovered experiences winter temperatures that can plummet to 16 degrees Celsius below zero. Approximately 150,000 years ago, the individual represented by this skull thrived in similarly frigid, steppe-like landscapes, coexisting with various species including woolly mammoths, giant deer, and the ancestors of modern brown bears.

Attention all readers!