Scientists have discovered the 700,000-year-old ancestor of the tiny primitive human known as "the Hobbit".
Its fossils indicate that the normal-sized primitive humans who first set foot on the Indonesian island of Flores shrank "rapidly" to become Hobbit-sized. The remains are of at least one adult and two children, who are all just as small as their descendents.
It was initially thought they could have been living as recently as 12,000 years ago. Subsequent analysis has shown they actually existed slightly further back in time, between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.
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Indonesia travel guide
Take in a traditional gamelan performance, laze on hidden beaches, or hike volcanic peaks; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Indonesia and begin your journey now!
Covers: Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and more
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Its fossils indicate that the normal-sized primitive humans who first set foot on the Indonesian island of Flores shrank "rapidly" to become Hobbit-sized. The remains are of at least one adult and two children, who are all just as small as their descendents.
It was initially thought they could have been living as recently as 12,000 years ago. Subsequent analysis has shown they actually existed slightly further back in time, between 50,000 and 60,000 years ago.
Indonesia travel guide
Take in a traditional gamelan performance, laze on hidden beaches, or hike volcanic peaks; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Indonesia and begin your journey now!
Covers: Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Maluku, Papua, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and more
You can pick and choose from complete guides and individual chapters, and download them to any device you like.
Click here to visit the Lonely Planet shop for more ebooks and print versions.
Sponsored link:
Join the Raven brothers on four epic overland adventures across the USA, Russia, Black Sea and South America!
By Simon Raven & Chris Raven
Driving the Trans-Siberian: The Ultimate Road Trip Across Russia
Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk
Black Sea Circuit: An Adventure Through the Caucasus
Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk
Carnival Express: A South America Adventure
Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk
Living the Linger: Freedom on the American Highway
Amazon.com * Amazon.co.uk