Hobbit: small but not sick

2012/02/15 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Eboluzioa
• Paleontologia
• Arkeologia

A recent Australian investigation denies that the hobbita was a Homo sapiens cretinista.

The first sink fossil was discovered in 2003 and has since been a source of discussions. And because of its time, which is 17,000 years old, the fossil should belong to an individual of the species Homo sapiens. However, its peculiar characteristics (skull and especially small body, hence its hobbit nickname) make the fossil belong to a previously unknown species (Homo floresiensis) or as small as a consequence of a disease.

They are trying to clarify the case, but they have not yet been able to analyze DNA because they have not achieved a quality DNA of the fossil. Meanwhile, other investigations are being conducted. The last one was at the University of New England. They compare the brain mass of the hobbit with the proportions of the skeleton and the development of the teeth with people with cretinism. This disease causes a delay in development. However, in view of the results of the study, the researchers conclude that there is no evidence to think that the hobbit had cretinism.