Morphological diversity and taxonomy of Late Middle Pleistocene hominins in East Asia remain controversial. This study presents the first systematic comparative analysis of four mandibles from this period—Hualongdong 6, Xiahe 1, Penghu 1 and Xujiayao 14—using multivariate non-metric traits and three-dimensional geometric morphometrics. These specimens are compared with Pleistocene archaic Homo and modern human samples from Asia, Europe and Africa to clarify their morphological affinities and evolutionary relationships. Results reveal two distinct morphotypes. Hualongdong 6 exhibits a mosaic pattern, combining primitive traits with incipient modern-like symphyseal features. After accounting for ontogenetic effects, this configuration suggests a potential transitional role towards Homo sapiens. By contrast, Xiahe 1 and Penghu 1 (and Xujiayao 14) are characterized by a low, robust corpus, primitive symphysis and a ramus with some Neanderthal-like features. Notably, while Xiahe 1 and Penghu 1 have been molecularly identified as Denisovans, their mandibular morphology lacks clear autapomorphic traits or unique combinations distinguishing them as a separate morphotaxon. These findings highlight morphological diversity in East Asian Late Middle Pleistocene hominins and underscore the challenge of reconciling molecular taxa with fossil morphotypes, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in human evolutionary studies.
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