A Telling Smile and a new perspective after recent analysis of prehistoric teeth
Scientists now suggest that the remains of Homo floresiensis, popularly known as the Hobbit, seem to show it belonged to a unique species of hominin, rather than being a modern human with a physical deformities.
The analysis goes against previous theories that the Hobbit had teeth exactly like modern humans, and therefore were merely an enclave of people who suffered from microcephaly, a rare neurological condition resulting in an abnormally small head, a small body and developmental issues.
The Hobbit teeth showed blended traits of primitive and modern human, and were found to be most similar to Java Man. Credit: Yousuke Kaifu
Homo floresiensis reconstruction
http://news.discovery.com/human/evolution/hobbit-human-teeth-reveal-surprising-history-photos-151118.htm
http://www.livescience.com/52839-hobbits-were-separate-species.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-19/hobbit-teeth-indicate-ancient-human-was-new-species/6955352
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hobbits-were-a-separate-species-ancient-chompers-show/
The analysis goes against previous theories that the Hobbit had teeth exactly like modern humans, and therefore were merely an enclave of people who suffered from microcephaly, a rare neurological condition resulting in an abnormally small head, a small body and developmental issues.
The Hobbit teeth showed blended traits of primitive and modern human, and were found to be most similar to Java Man. Credit: Yousuke Kaifu
Homo floresiensis reconstruction
http://news.discovery.com/human/evolution/hobbit-human-teeth-reveal-surprising-history-photos-151118.htm
http://www.livescience.com/52839-hobbits-were-separate-species.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-11-19/hobbit-teeth-indicate-ancient-human-was-new-species/6955352
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hobbits-were-a-separate-species-ancient-chompers-show/