A proximal pedal phalanx of a Paleolithic hominin from denisova cave, Altai

作者：Maria B. Mednikova · 发表于：Archaeology Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia · 年份：2011 · DOI：10.1016/j.aeae.2011.06.017 · 被引用次数：34 · 研究领域：Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology、Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Studies、Primate Behavior and Ecology

A pedal phalanx of Homo from the Paleolithic stratum 11 at Denisova Cave, Altai, is described. A manual phalanx, from which DNA of a hominin belonging to a hitherto unknown species was extracted, had been found in the same layer. The new specimen has been identifi ed as a left proximal phalanx of the fourth or fi fth pedal digit, apparently that of an adult. The bone is rather elongated and has a very robust and broad diaphysis. While being generally archaic in appearance, the specimen demonstrates certain traits that are intermediate between the Neanderthal and the early modern morphology. The dorso-proximal orientation of the metatarsal facet of the base indicates a peculiar gait, resembling race walking.