Nature June 2016 PMID 27279221

Homo floresiensis-like fossils from the early Middle Pleistocene of Flores.

Gerrit D van den Bergh, Yousuke Kaifu, Iwan Kurniawan, Reiko T Kono, Adam Brumm, Erick Setiyabudi, Fachroel Aziz, Michael J Morwood

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The analysis reveals generally positive reactions, with comments such as referencing the 'real existence of hobbits' and connections to popular ideas like 'Sapiens', which reflect curiosity and recognition of the fossils' importance. The tone is casual and conversational, emphasizing curiosity and broad interest in human evolution, which supports the moderate scores across all dimensions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most comments acknowledge or accept findings about early hominin evolution and the significance of the fossils, showing moderate agreement with the publication's implications.

InterestModerate interest

The discussions highlight curiosity about human origins and evolutionary history, with references to well-known books and concepts, indicating a moderate level of interest.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants engage by referencing related literature, raising questions about species diversity, and discussing implications, demonstrating a moderate depth of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions touch on fundamental questions about human evolution and species diversity, suggesting they have some influence in shaping understanding or curiosity on these topics.

Abstract in brief

The discovery of hominin fossils from Mata Menge in Flores, dating back to around 0.7 million years ago, provides the oldest evidence of hominins on the island and shows similarities to Homo floresiensis, supporting the idea that H. floresiensis is a dwarf descendant of early Asian Homo erectus.
These fossils include a mandible and teeth that are smaller and more primitive than later H. floresiensis remains, indicating that the small size and traits of H. floresiensis developed early in Flores’ evolutionary history.
The findings suggest that hominins on Flores achieved extremely small body sizes and unique features relatively early, and they support the hypothesis that H. floresiensis resulted from insular dwarfism of an ancestor related to H. erectus rather than from more primitive hominins like Homo habilis or Australopithecus.

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All mentions

Why is Humanity the Only Surviving Human Species? Evidence from Flores

The discovery of hominin fossils from Flores, dating back 0.7 million years, shows early evidence of small-bodied humans related to Homo erectus, supporting the idea of insular dwarfism and highlighting humanity as the…

Kok Bisa? · Feb 25, 2023 1,037,358 views

Were Hobbits Real? Exploring Ancient Human Species on Earth

Solerverso · Jul 10, 2025 167 views

Reinaldo Soler

@reinaldosoler63 · X

Os Hobbits que existiram na vida real https://t.co/Xexs0aoeOr via @YouTube

Jul 10, 2025 · 494 followers View post →

Chris Stringer

@chrisbstringer.bsky.social · Bluesky

comment on 'Homo floresiensis-like fossils from the early Middle Pleistocene of Flores' by van den Bergh and colleagues (2016)

Jan 12, 2025 · 25 likes · 6 shares View post →

Imad

@Imade_kun · X

Kenapa Spesies Manusia Cuma Satu? https://t.co/o0L0iYLVei

Feb 25, 2023 · 917 followers View post →

Kamado Al Ridho

@SapphireKey06 · X

Jadi keinget buku Sapiens wkwkwk https://t.co/fKUlkhykCm

Feb 25, 2023 · 104 followers View post →

ansa

@aozora_ands_48 · X

Kenapa Spesies Manusia Cuma Satu? https://t.co/LTRwQ1imCz

Feb 25, 2023 · 162 followers View post →

Nick Donovan

@nickpdonovan.bsky.social · Bluesky

Homo floresiensis-like fossils from the early Middle Pleistocene of Flores http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature17999

Jan 28, 2017 View post →