金昌柱向记者展示发掘出的披毛犀颌骨（部分）。 大连骆驼山金远洞出土的化石。 文物修复师正在修复化石。 11月8日，辽宁省大连市骆驼山古生物综合研究项目考古现场已有几分凉意，探方旁的工人正用软 毛刷细细清理一块犀牛头骨化石的围岩，骨缝里的泥土簌簌落下。 中国科学院古脊椎动物与古人类研究所研究员、骆驼山古生物综合研究项目首席科学家金昌柱，今 年已八次往返北京、大连两地，而这样的奔波，随着骆驼山考古工作持续了十余年。科技日报记者跟随 金昌柱走进发掘区，阶梯式的探方层层向下延伸，最细处竟分出36层，每层都藏着不同时代的气候密码 与生物演化及生物事件信息；不远处的临时整理区，工程师正给民工讲解鹿类牙齿的鉴定技巧…… 这场需持续数十年的考古发掘，不仅是在土层中翻找远古生命的痕迹，更是在现场的每一次敲击、 每一回讲解里，延续着对地球过往的追问。 远古动物的乐园 这场与万年前生命的"对话"，要回溯到12年前。 2013年12月13日，金昌柱和大连自然博物馆研究员刘金远等人，根据复州湾黏土矿退休职工郭成万 提供的线索，一起来到骆驼山进行古生物地质调查，结果发现，这里有一处富含脊椎动物化石的第四纪 洞穴堆积。由于他们是最早来勘查 ...

Core Insights - The article discusses a significant research study on gibbons, revealing their evolutionary history, population dynamics, and conservation status through extensive genomic sequencing [2][4][9]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team constructed the most comprehensive gibbon genome dataset to date, covering 18 extant gibbon species and successfully obtaining mitochondrial genomes from three extinct samples, including the "Junzi gibbon" [4]. - The study clarified the controversial evolutionary relationships among the four genera of gibbons: Hylobates, Nomascus, Symphalangus, and Hoolock, resolving a century-old classification issue [4][7]. - Phylogenetic analysis based on ancient mitochondrial DNA placed the extinct Junzi gibbon within the Nomascus genus, negating its status as a separate genus [4][7]. Group 2: Genetic and Ecological Insights - The research indicated that historical changes in gibbon population sizes and habitat suitability were consistent with past climate changes [5]. - Comparative genomics and transgenic mouse experiments identified a deletion of 205 base pairs in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene, which is linked to the elongated limbs characteristic of gibbons [6][7]. Group 3: Implications for Conservation - The findings advance the understanding of gibbon evolution, biology, and conservation efforts, providing critical information for the protection of threatened gibbon species [9].