The Brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis
Abstract
The brain of Homo floresiensis was assessed by comparing a virtual endocast from the type specimen (LB1) with endocasts from great apes, Homo erectus, Homo sapiens, a human pygmy, a human microcephalic, specimen number Sts 5 (Australopithecus africanus), and specimen number WT 17000 (Paranthropus aethiopicus). Morphometric, allometric, and shape data indicate that LB1 is not a microcephalic or pygmy. LB1's brain/body size ratio scales like that of an australopithecine, but its endocast shape resembles that of Homo erectus. LB1 has derived frontal and temporal lobes and a lunate sulcus in a derived position, which are consistent with capabilities for higher cognitive processing.
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We thank the National Geographic Society (grant 7760-04) and D. Hamlin for helping to bring this research to fruition. X. Wu of the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, provided the measurements for H. sapiens in Table 1; K. Mowbray of the American Museum of Natural History provided the cast of the microcephalic skull and pygmy skull; and B. Latimer and L. Jellema of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History loaned additional skeletal material. We appreciate T. Gebke and C. Tinscher's technical assistance in CT scanning, B. Macy's production of physical endocasts, B. Worthington's illustrations of LB1's endocast (Fig. 3), and E. Chambless's help with manuscript preparation.
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Published In
Science
Volume 308 | Issue 5719
8 April 2005
8 April 2005
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American Association for the Advancement of Science.
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Received: 13 January 2005
Accepted: 11 February 2005
Published in print: 8 April 2005
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