Hobbit theory under fire

19 May 2006 (Science, but also in too many other media) – The theory of the Hobbit man, or Homo floresiensis is under debate now as primatologist Robert Martin questions if this is not a new species, but instead a modern human suffering from microcephaly which results in small body and brain size. The actual article from Science is very technical:

Response to Comment on “The Brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis“

Martin et al. claim that they have two endocasts from microcephalics that appear similar to that of LB1, Homo floresiensis. However, the line drawings they present as evidence lack details about the transverse sinuses, cerebellum, and cerebral poles. Comparative measurements, actual photographs, and sketches that identify key features are needed to draw meaningful conclusions about Martin et al.’s assertions.