the continuing saga of Homo floresiensis
by John at 3/04/2005 11:46:00 AM
"Analysis Shows Prehistoric 'Hobbit' a Distinct Species"
A little over 3 feet tall, Homo floresiensis people flourished on Flores from 94,000 to 12,000 years ago, when a volcano killed them off. They apparently hunted dwarf elephants with spears. Researchers had greeted the discovery with surprise, both because the creatures lived so recently and because they used axes, blades and other tools despite having chimp-size brains.
The analysis, released by the journal Science, of computer scans and inner skull molds shows that the hobbit's small brain, one-third the size of a modern human's, had enlarged regions associated with complex decision-making, name recognition and speech.
"I'm bowled over," Falk says. "I never thought I'd see these advanced features on such a small brain." The team compared the brain cast to a microcephalic patient's and found no similarities.
Cool! Science marches on, despite setbacks. Lots more here.
A little over 3 feet tall, Homo floresiensis people flourished on Flores from 94,000 to 12,000 years ago, when a volcano killed them off. They apparently hunted dwarf elephants with spears. Researchers had greeted the discovery with surprise, both because the creatures lived so recently and because they used axes, blades and other tools despite having chimp-size brains.
The analysis, released by the journal Science, of computer scans and inner skull molds shows that the hobbit's small brain, one-third the size of a modern human's, had enlarged regions associated with complex decision-making, name recognition and speech.
"I'm bowled over," Falk says. "I never thought I'd see these advanced features on such a small brain." The team compared the brain cast to a microcephalic patient's and found no similarities.
Cool! Science marches on, despite setbacks. Lots more here.
This is a great story and we’ll know more once the original research team gets back to the caves in Flores. Hard to believe, but their work was halted by the Indonesian government at one point. There is more on this ongoing controversy about Homo floresiensis at www.floresgirl.com.
» Post a Comment