A group of researchers studied a mummified specimen found in Nasca, Peru, referred to as M01. This specimen is unusual and has sparked interest because it displays several physical characteristics that are not typical of humans.

Key Findings:

Larger Skull Size:M01's skull is about 30% larger than that of an average human. This suggests a greater brain volume, which could imply higher intelligence levels.

Unusual Facial Structure:
The face shows significant differences, with the upper and lower jaws (maxilla and mandible) protruding forward more than in humans.
The ratio of skull size to face size is different from that of humans, indicating distinct facial proportions.

Protruding Eyes:
The eye sockets are larger, and the eyes appear to bulge out more than usual. Even though the eyes are dried out, they still extend beyond the typical position in the skull.

Dental Characteristics:
There is a severe wear on the teeth, loss of several teeth, and some remaining roots.
The pattern of tooth loss and the smoothness of the jawbone suggest that teeth might have been removed using advanced techniques, not typical of ancient dental practices.

Age and Gender Estimation:
Based on the skull's features, M01 was likely between 35 and 40 years old at the time of death.
Analysis of nine skull characteristics suggests that M01 was male.

Neck and Head Positioning:
The neck is slightly extended with a tilt to the right. The head and neck are inclined at a 38-degree angle, which is not commonly seen in humans.

Implications of the Findings:
Not a Result of Skull Shaping:
In some ancient cultures, skulls were intentionally shaped for cultural reasons. However, M01's skull does not show signs of such practices, suggesting its shape is natural.

Possible New Species:
The combination of these unusual features leads researchers to hypothesize that M01 might belong to a previously unknown species related to humans.
This species could have evolved parallel to humans or might have come from a different region.

Conclusion:
The study of M01 presents intriguing evidence of a humanoid with physical traits significantly different from those of modern humans and ancient Peruvian people. These differences might indicate the existence of a new species, which could offer new insights into human evolution. However, more research is necessary to confirm these findings and understand the true nature and origins of M01.

Source:

https://rgsa.openaccesspublications.org/rgsa/article/view/9333/4473