Homo Floresiensis

coilcoil Amateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance. Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
in Off-Topic
<div class="IPBDescription">smallest modern human</div> Scientists have discovered a new species of "ancient" hominid, which lived on the island of Flores in Oceana as recently as 13,000 years ago. It joins <i>Homo erectus</i>, <i>Homo habilis</i>, Neanderthal man, and of course <i>Homo sapiens sapiens</i> (that's us, genius) in the short list of bipedal, upright, large-brained, opposable-thumb-possessing, tool-making mammals that make up the genus <i>Homo</i>.

<i>Homo floresiensis</i> apparently only grew to approximately 1 meter in height (55kg in weight), and lived on the island of Flores along with stegodons (a species of pygmy elephant), Komodo dragons, and other animals. Archeological finds suggest that <i>H. floresiensis</i> hunted in coordinated groups to take down the 1-ton stegodons.

The really amazing thing about these so-called "Hobbits," however, is how recently they lived. Modern humans (<i>H. sapiens</i>) are documented in Australia from 40,000 years ago, and on the island of Borneo from 43,000 years ago... which means it's very likely that modern man and these "hobbits" encountered and interacted with each other, possibly for tens of thousands of years. There is no direct evidence for cohabitation yet; <i>H. floresiensis</i> was probably wiped out along with the Stegodon in a volcanic eruption 12,000 years ago, while <i>H. sapiens</i> skeletons are only found above (more recently than) the ash layer in the sediment denoting the eruption. Local folklore, however, describes "tiny people"... and suggests that it's *possible* (but we're talking loch-ness-monster-possible, not maybe-I'll-wear-pants-today-possible) that these hobbits still lived until the 1500s!

Paleoanthropologists are describing this discovery as one of the greatest in recent memory. Read a more complete story by National Geographic here:
<a href='http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/10/1027_041027_homo_floresiensis.html' target='_blank'>http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/20...oresiensis.html</a>
Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome

Comments

  • ThaldarinThaldarin Alonzi&#33; Join Date: 2003-07-15 Member: 18173Members, Constellation
    I find that really interesting. Imagine if Tolkiens hobbits were similar to behaviour of this newly discovred pre-modern civilisation?
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • SkySky Join Date: 2004-04-23 Member: 28131Members
    If they find a gold ring with funny lettering on one of the skeletons....I call dibs! <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • TychoCelchuuuTychoCelchuuu Anememone Join Date: 2002-03-23 Member: 345Members
    Next we'll find some oliphaunts. Maybe some giant spiders, or orcs.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Cereal_KillRCereal_KillR Join Date: 2002-10-31 Member: 1837Members
    Homo Sapiens Sapiens (us) is now considered a wrong label.

    Before, we had Homo Sapiens Sapiens and Homo Sapiens Neanderthalis, but recent studies decided that we had enough differences to be considered different. We're now Homo Sapiens and Homo Neanderthalis.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    edited October 2004
    OGM HOBBITS.

    <!--QuoteBegin-coil+Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->  Local folklore, however, describes "tiny people"... and suggests that it's *possible* (but we're talking loch-ness-monster-possible, not maybe-I'll-wear-pants-today-possible) that these hobbits still lived until around 15,000  years ago!<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    15,000 years only... you serious? IF so, that is really really crazy. I mean, they are a seperate species entirely... Wow, we co-existed with these guys. But then again, loch ness monster possible is more likely than you wearing pance. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    **EDIT** I copied what you wrote, so we both made the same mistake.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • TommyVercettiTommyVercetti Join Date: 2003-02-10 Member: 13390Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    Are they the ancestors of midgets?
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • ThE_HeRoThE_HeRo Join Date: 2003-01-25 Member: 12723Members
    I bet they looked like the Fetish from diablo 2. That's all I can think that they could look like. It's so easy to imagine a bunch of them attacking a giant stegodonosauruswhatever.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • coilcoil Amateur pirate. Professional monkey. All pance. Join Date: 2002-04-12 Member: 424Members, NS1 Playtester, Contributor
    <!--QuoteBegin-Cold-NiTe+Oct 27 2004, 05:08 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cold-NiTe @ Oct 27 2004, 05:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> OGM HOBBITS.

    <!--QuoteBegin-coil+Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->  Local folklore, however, describes "tiny people"... and suggests that it's *possible* (but we're talking loch-ness-monster-possible, not maybe-I'll-wear-pants-today-possible) that these hobbits still lived until around 15,000  years ago!<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    15,000 years only... you serious? IF so, that is really really crazy. I mean, they are a seperate species entirely... Wow, we co-existed with these guys. But then again, loch ness monster possible is more likely than you wearing pance. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    **EDIT** I copied what you wrote, so we both made the same mistake. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Neg... when I said the 1500s, I meant the 1500s. They're documented living as recently as 13,000 years ago, but folklore suggests that some may have even survived to modern times. Again, about as likely as the loch ness monster existing.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-coil+Oct 27 2004, 05:12 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Oct 27 2004, 05:12 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Cold-NiTe+Oct 27 2004, 05:08 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cold-NiTe @ Oct 27 2004, 05:08 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> OGM HOBBITS.

    <!--QuoteBegin-coil+Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (coil @ Oct 27 2004, 03:37 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->  Local folklore, however, describes "tiny people"... and suggests that it's *possible* (but we're talking loch-ness-monster-possible, not maybe-I'll-wear-pants-today-possible) that these hobbits still lived until around 15,000  years ago!<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    15,000 years only... you serious? IF so, that is really really crazy. I mean, they are a seperate species entirely... Wow, we co-existed with these guys. But then again, loch ness monster possible is more likely than you wearing pance. <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/biggrin-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin-fix.gif' /><!--endemo-->

    **EDIT** I copied what you wrote, so we both made the same mistake. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Neg... when I said the 1500s, I meant the 1500s. They're documented living as recently as 13,000 years ago, but folklore suggests that some may have even survived to modern times. Again, about as likely as the loch ness monster existing. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Now that is just scary. Cool almost, but incredibly scary. For reasons I don't even know.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • RuByRuBy Join Date: 2002-12-12 Member: 10732Members
    That's awesome! I took human evolution last year and thought it was pretty cool that <i>Homo sapiens</i> lived contemporarily with <i>Homo neanderthalensis</i>. THis is even more amazing especially considering their small size. I rather doubt that they would have still existed in the 1500s though.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • BadKarmaBadKarma The Advanced Literature monsters burned my house and gave me a 7 Join Date: 2002-11-12 Member: 8260Members
    Man, im thinkin a komodo dragon would make a mess of one of these guys.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • LikuLiku I, am the Somberlain. Join Date: 2003-01-10 Member: 12128Members
    That's awesome, really sad they had to die out.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • The_Real_QuasarThe_Real_Quasar Has the I.Q. of 12,000 P.E. Teachers Join Date: 2002-11-26 Member: 9998Members
    Next week it'll be 'Large volcano discovered, dubbed "Mount Doom". Lava contains trace elements of a melted ring, and annoying grey creature known only as "Computerus Generatedus".'
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    man, they would make great slaves
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    I just read about this in science last period. It's kind of cool. If I had a bunch of hobbits, I'd put them in an arena and make them fight to the death.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-eediot+Oct 27 2004, 08:05 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (eediot @ Oct 27 2004, 08:05 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->I just read about this in science last period. It's kind of cool. If I had a bunch of hobbits, I'd put them in an arena and make them fight to the death.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    <!--QuoteBegin-dirtygabbsnevada+Oct 27 2004, 08:01 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dirtygabbsnevada @ Oct 27 2004, 08:01 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->man, they would make great slaves<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Attitudes like these are the reason why they dissappeared people. No wonder Sapiens and Neanderthals fought so viciously with each other.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • eedioteediot Join Date: 2003-02-24 Member: 13903Members
    edited October 2004
    Because like, I really would make them fight to the death. You know, like I do with dwarves and small children. Tie me up, I'm a threat to nature!

    It's a joke, buddy.

    Edit: And they actually lived peacefully with the dutch settlers there. It is assumed they died out from a volcanic eruption.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • illuminexilluminex Join Date: 2004-03-13 Member: 27317Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-dirtygabbsnevada+Oct 27 2004, 08:01 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dirtygabbsnevada @ Oct 27 2004, 08:01 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> man, they would make great slaves <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Think of all the great zebra bukkake hobbit porn that would be possible.

    It'd be an entire industry!
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • CabooseCaboose title = name(self, handle) Join Date: 2003-02-15 Member: 13597Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Liku+Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Liku @ Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> That's awesome, really sad they had to die out. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Meh... we would of wiped em out sooner or later ourselves...
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    Wow, thats amazing! I'd definately name one Frodo or Sam.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Har_Har_the_PirateHar_Har_the_Pirate Join Date: 2003-08-10 Member: 19388Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-Caboose+Oct 27 2004, 07:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Caboose @ Oct 27 2004, 07:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Liku+Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Liku @ Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> That's awesome, really sad they had to die out. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Meh... we would of wiped em out sooner or later ourselves... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    why would we kill off perfectly good slaves
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • MulletMullet Join Date: 2003-04-28 Member: 15910Members, Constellation
    <!--QuoteBegin-dirtygabbsnevada+Oct 27 2004, 08:29 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (dirtygabbsnevada @ Oct 27 2004, 08:29 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Caboose+Oct 27 2004, 07:27 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Caboose @ Oct 27 2004, 07:27 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <!--QuoteBegin-Liku+Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Liku @ Oct 27 2004, 05:56 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> That's awesome, really sad they had to die out. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Meh... we would of wiped em out sooner or later ourselves... <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    why would we kill off perfectly good slaves <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Hitler.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • Cold_NiTeCold_NiTe Join Date: 2003-09-15 Member: 20875Members
    <!--QuoteBegin-eediot+Oct 27 2004, 08:15 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (eediot @ Oct 27 2004, 08:15 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Because like, I really would make them fight to the death. You know, like I do with dwarves and small children. Tie me up, I'm a threat to nature!

    It's a joke, buddy.

    Edit: And they actually lived peacefully with the dutch settlers there. It is assumed they died out from a volcanic eruption. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Yeah I know, but it's a bit harsh, just cause they are smaller doesn't mean they should be denounced into the slave category. <!--emo&;)--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wink-fix.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wink-fix.gif' /><!--endemo--> <!--emo&:0--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html//emoticons/wow.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='wow.gif' /><!--endemo-->
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
  • TommyVercettiTommyVercetti Join Date: 2003-02-10 Member: 13390Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    Slaves can be from all races, age groups, and come in all shapes and sizes.
    Off Topic Disagree Agree Awesome
Sign In or Register to comment.