Here’s How This 'Hobbit'-Like Human Ancestor Survived on an Island with Komodo Dragons
New research suggests that the prehistoric human ancestor Homo floresiensis may have been a scavenger rather than a sophisticated hunter. Scientists analyzed predatory marks on skeletal remains to conclude they likely stole food from Komodo dragons.
Why it matters
This finding challenges previous theories about the cognitive abilities and survival strategies of early human ancestors.
Anthropologists have been debating the life and times of Indonesia’s prehistoric “hobbit-like” human ancestor, Homo floresiensis , ever since the remains of the first known specimen were discovered on the island of Flores in 2003. How small could an individual H. floresiensis really be? ( Pretty small !) Are we sure H. floresiensis was really its own species? ( Yes, can confirm .) What did these little folks eat? (Giant rats sometimes, maybe.) Etc.
The article presents scientific findings based on peer-reviewed research without ideological bias.
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