‘Hobbit’ fossils uncovered in Indonesia

       ‘Hobbit’ fossils uncovered in Indonesia

        On the Indonesian island of Flores, scientists have uncovered fossils proving that “Hobbits" could have existed.

Much smaller than the previously discovered Homo floresiensis (pictured), researchers say that the newly discovered species resemble the larger-brained Homo erectus, who are the direct ancestors of Homo sapiens.
After a 20-year long expedition, the new "hobbit" fossils were uncovered at the Mata Menge site, located in the So’a Basin in central Flores.
The remains date back to over 700,000 years. According to study researcher Yousuke Kaifu, these humans resided in Flores before any modern humans appeared elsewhere. Most research show that the modern humans came into existence about 200,000 years ago in Africa.
Paleotologist and geologist Gerrit van der Bergh said, “If we continue excavating this layer further, the likelihood of finding more human fossils is enormous.”

(Pictured above) An artist's illustration shows the head of the hobbit species.