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Homo Floresiensis

The First Discovery

In 2003 a group of joint researchers from Indonesia and Australia, discovered LB-1. An almost complete female skeleton, one of a small proportion. Not, a girl but a full-grown female in the caves of Flores, Indonesia. The size of the brain and height of the skeletal remains found on the island (1/3 of a regular human and 3’6) led them to name this ground-breaking discovery the “Homo Floresiensis” (also known as a hobbit) after the place, in which it was founds. They lived about 3-5 million years ago. To this date a lot of information is left unanswered regarding culture and lifestyle of the Homo Floresiensis. We have had pictures throughout history or paintings leading scientists to interpret its meaning and culture of a past people, but not this species.

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  The cave where the skeletal remains of LB-1 were found.

History behind LB-1

Scientists are having a difficult time trying to figure out where the Homo Floresiensis fit in relation to the average human species. Trying to figure out if it evolved on its own because of location and simplistic way of living or was it some type of strange mutation. The skeletal structure was found with nothing but some homemade tools around it. Easy food sources, almost no enemies, and no need for the brain to expand beyond a young adult style of thinking. This being a possible explanation for the Homo Floresiensis brain being smaller than average. However, Since the discovery of LB-1, approximately 12 more skeletons have been found to date. All with the same traits physically wise. Small stature and even smaller brain. (Smithsonian 2018). However, with it being so early in its discovery process, a lot of questions have yet to answered. Even, though it’s been 15 years since the discovery of the Homo Floresiensis, the lack of information about its history is making scientific progress impossible.

The body, specifically the brain

The brain of the Homo Floresiensis is what pointed scientists in the direction of trying to find out where exactly they originated from. They determined the size and shape of the skull was not due to a case of microphallic (This is the case of the head being smaller than normal due to the fact of un-normal brain development) (Mayo Clinic 2018). It was determined though that by the size ratio of the body/skull they could be linked to the Australopithecus. One of the longest, very well-known species in scientific communities. They displayed ape/human-like characteristics and lived about 2-3 million years ago. (Kimball, Johnson, White 1984). This gave scientists something to go off of. However, the shape of the frontal lobes making it more relatable to the home erectus. (Upright man). So, there is links to different species throughout history, with the brain providing a blueprint.

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  Look at the construction in the front of the skull, vs the human one.

Scientific Implications

The scientific implications? Well, you could argue a lot; but you can definitely say that science has come a long way in putting the pieces together of our history. However, the Homo Floresiensis has and will continue to baffle scientists. The Homo Floresiensis is a prime example of evolution, it’s not directly from a branch of the ape ancestors. However, while displaying human like qualities and being relatable to average humans, Neanderthals and being relatable to its ancestors.

Sources

Faulk, D., Hildebolt, C., Morwood, M., & Sutikna, T. (2005). The Brain of LB1, Homo Floresiensis. Science, 308(5719), 242-245. Retrieved November 19, 2018

Homo floresiensis. (2018, August 31). Retrieved from http://humanorigins.si.edu/evidence/human-fossils/species/homo-floresiensis

Kimbel, W. H., White, T. D., & Johanson, D. C. (2005, April 27). Cranial morphology of Australopithecus afarensis: A comparative study based on a composite reconstruction of the adult skull. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajpa.1330640403

Microcephaly. (2018, April 26). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/microcephaly/symptoms-causes/syc-20375051

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