Core Insights - An international team led by Chinese scientists has discovered a new species of gibbon, named the "Imperial Gentleman Gibbon," through ancient DNA sequencing from remains found in the tomb of Empress Dowager Xia [2][4] - The research, published in the journal "Cell," corrects previous findings that classified the gibbon as a new genus, confirming it as a new species within the Hoolock genus, closely related to the Hainan gibbon [2][4] Group 1 - The remains of the Imperial Gentleman Gibbon were discovered in a burial pit associated with Empress Dowager Xia's tomb, alongside other animals such as leopard cats and Asian black bears, indicating a royal interest in exotic pets [2][4] - The study highlights the ancient practice of burying pets with their owners, reflecting the cultural belief in life after death [4] - The research also solidifies the classification of the "Skywalker Gibbon" as a distinct species and identifies the gene "SHH" that regulates the gibbon's long arms [4]

Core Insights - An international team led by Chinese scientists has discovered a new species of gibbon, named "Imperial Gentleman Gibbon," through ancient DNA sequencing technology, published in the journal Cell [1][5]. Group 1: Discovery and Research Findings - The Imperial Gentleman Gibbon was found in the burial site of Empress Xia, the grandmother of Qin Shi Huang, during excavations in 2004, where gibbon remains were uncovered in a burial pit [1][6]. - Initial morphological studies in 2018 suggested it was a new genus and species, but further DNA analysis in 2025 confirmed it as a new species within the Hoolock genus, closely related to the Hainan gibbon [5][8]. - The burial site also contained remains of other animals such as leopard cats, lynxes, Asian black bears, and red-crowned cranes, along with bronze chains and feeding tools, indicating a diverse collection of animals [6][8]. Group 2: Cultural and Historical Context - The findings suggest that Empress Xia had a fondness for rare animals, which were likely kept in royal gardens and buried with her, reflecting ancient beliefs about life and death [8]. - The research also reinforced the classification of the "Tianxing Gibbon" as an independent species and identified the gene "SHH" that regulates the length of gibbons' arms [8].