The brain of LB1, Homo floresiensis

Science. 2005 Apr 8;308(5719):242-5. doi: 10.1126/science.1109727.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / anatomy & histology*
  • Cephalometry
  • Computer Simulation
  • Female
  • Hominidae / anatomy & histology*
  • Hominidae / classification
  • Humans
  • Organ Size
  • Pan troglodytes / anatomy & histology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed