Palau Yields a Diminutive Neighbour for Homo floresiensis. (March 31, 2008)

Two caves in the Pacific island nation of Palau have yielded fossils of a number of diminutive individuals. Described by Berger, et al. (PLoS One 10.1371/journal.pone.0001780 (2008)) they are estimated  to be from 1,500 to 3,000 years of age.

Palau is believed have been first populated by Filipinos about 4,000 years ago. Measurements of the brain case indicate a brain at the lower limit of what is considered normal for Homo sapiens, and slightly greater than H. erectus.

Additional measurements of post cranial bones also suggest a body length near that of Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis) and the smallest H. sapiens.

According to Berger, et al. the fossils while exhibiting a number of traits "consistent" with H. sapiens the fossil collection also shows more primitive characters such as small chins and enlarged brow ridges. These findings as well as some aspects of the teeth and the small body size suggest similarities to those found in H. floresiensis.

At present there are no data linking the two populations but the find is additional evidence of possible extremes in size that can develop in isolated island populations.