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Homo floresiensis: microcephalic, pygmoid, Australopithecus or Homo?
Semester II 2006
and
The Hobbit's Tale: past, present and future implications of H. floresiensis
(Paul Barratt Lecture Theatre, 15 November 2006, 11.30 am)
Abstract
We will be hearing from Debbie Argue from ANU, whose analysis of the
skull of Homo floresiensis was published just a few weeks
ago in the prestigious Journal of Human Evolution. She will
be telling us where a large multivariate study of the skull anatomy
places H. floresiensis, in relation to modern humans
(including pygmies, and a microcephalic), Australopithecus
and Paranthropus (two hominin groups which preceded our
own genus Homo), and modern apes, giving a very clear
answer to the apparently endless arguments over whether the hobbit is
a modern human or a new species.
Then Mike Morwood will be speaking on where he is taking the digs next,
and why. With the original cave site closed to researchers by the
Indonesian government, the project is nevertheless expanding rather
than contracting. Where are they digging next - what does the pattern of
currents in the Indonesian archipelago have to do with it? - why hasn't
anyone done more than scratch the surface dust of Borneo's famous
and massive Niah cave, which so much resembles the cave site of the
original finds? - and why are they including an Australian site in the new
network of digs?
