A new species of human with unique physical traits has been discovered in China.

A previously extinct species of human has been discovered in China, which disappeared from the face of the Earth 200,000 years ago. Scientists unearthed the remains of 16 individuals, characterized by large heads, broad skulls, and enormous teeth, reports DailyMail.

The head size of this newly found species significantly exceeds that of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens. The team has named the species Homo juluensis.

Alongside the fossilized remains of this previously unknown species, stone tools, animal bones, and other artifacts were also found, providing greater insight into this prehistoric society. Researchers believe that this species lived in small groups, which completely vanished when humans migrated from Europe and Asia 120,000 years ago.

The Homo juluensis species existed during a period of drastic climate change that led to an ice age. The small groups of Homo juluensis made the species more vulnerable to sudden climate shifts, which likely contributed to the extinction of the entire species.

"This is probably why the population of Homo juluensis never reached significant numbers when modern humans left Africa. Humans genetically displaced native populations, such as Neanderthals and Homo juluensis," says co-author of the study, Christopher Bay.

According to scientists, while Homo juluensis had large heads, this does not imply that their cognitive abilities surpassed those of modern humans. It is also noted that the new species was closer to Neanderthals but exhibited some similarities with Denisovans. In particular, their teeth were found to be identical.

"The molars of Denisovans were quite large, and the samples from our new species from Xujiaiao are very similar," remarks the researcher.

The artifacts found alongside the remains of the ancient species indicate that these societies relied on hunting horses for survival. The species hunted horses in groups and utilized all parts of the animals: meat, bone marrow, cartilage, and hides. Specifically, Homo juluensis made clothing from hides to protect themselves during harsh winters.

Recall that scientists uncovered an unexpected detail about Neanderthal life. Spanish archaeologists discovered a collection of fossils that may belong to Neanderthals. This finding is the first evidence of collecting behavior among Neanderthals, highlighting their development and cognitive abilities.