Final answer:
The discovery of Denisovan fossils in the Denisova Cave has been pivotal for paleoanthropologists studying human evolution, as it has expanded understanding of ancient human diversity and inter-species relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
The discovery of an archaic human in the Denisova Cave, including a finger bone and two teeth, has allowed paleoanthropologists to gain insights into the genetic diversity of ancient humans and their relationships with both Neanderthals and modern humans. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA from these remains suggested that Denisovans were distinct from Neanderthals and modern humans, yet shared a common ancestor with Neanderthals. Furthermore, the presence of Denisovan genes in modern human populations indicates a history of interbreeding among these groups.
The finds from Denisova Cave, such as the long bone fragments, a partial jawbone, and a parietal bone skull fragment, along with fossils from other sites, have helped scientists better understand the physical morphology and adaptability of Denisovans. For instance, a jawbone found in the Baishiya Karst Cave on the Tibetan plateau suggested adaptation to high altitudes. These discoveries are critical for constructing hypotheses about human evolution, despite the challenges posed by the scarcity of Denisovan fossils.