Candidate Denisovan fossils identified through gene regulatory phenotyping

Abstract

We develop a phenotyping and scanning approach based on gene regulatory differences to identify potential Denisovans in the fossil record. We quantitatively compare genetically predicted phenotypes with morphological measurements and confirm that validated Denisovans are indeed identified through our approach. We apply this method to debated specimens and identify three skulls that are likely closest to Denisovans: Harbin, Dali, and Kabwe 1. Our work lays the foundation for future efforts to infer phenotypes of other extinct hominin groups and to refine the taxonomic classification of the fossil record using genetic data. Keywords: cranial morphology, Middle Pleistocene crania, genetic phenotyping, Denisovan anatomy