The Hobbit Who’s Changing Evolutionary Theory

March 8, 2010

Questions abound regarding the fossils of an Indonesian hominid species named Homo floresiensis (and nicknamed “the hobbit”) who lived in underground caves only 18,000 years ago.

Scientists discovered the fossils of the female hobbit, measuring only one meter high, in 2003. Since then, multiple theories have formed to explain the evolution of this dwarf-like species.

“For many people, this was totally unexpected and indicates how little we know about hominid evolution, particularly in Asia,” said archaeologist Mike Morwood, whose team is expanding their research to neighboring islands in order to answer the many questions raised by the discovery.

The main questions are what role this species played in human evolution and how much of hominid evolution took place in Asia rather than Africa.

For the complete story, go to the Boston Globe.