Little Species, Big Mystery: The Story of Homo Floresiensis

by Debbie Argue

There is only one kind of human on earth us. But we are only one of a number of human species - primates of the Hominini tribe - that have existed on our planet across the millennia. In 2004 the world was astounded by the discovery of Homo floresiensis, a species of human never encountered before, on the island of Flores in the Indonesian archipelago. A very short, thickset being, with long arms and feet and an appetite for stegodons (a now extinct relative of modern elephants), it was soon nicknamed 'the hobbit'. As recently as 52,500 years ago, at a time when our own ancestors were spreading around the world, these 'hobbit' cousins lived also, at least on Flores. In Little Species, Big Mystery archaeologist Debbie Argue takes us on a journey of thrilling scientific discovery, recounting the unearthing of H. floresiensis, the archaeological expeditions that have followed, other finds - including that of a small Philippines hominin - and new paths of research and discussion. Argue conveys the excitement of searching for and finding clues to a lost past, and the animated discussions that have flowed from their discovery. She provides much contextual information to strengthen our grasp of the essential coordinates of this field and stimulate our interest in the shadowy, fascinating realm of prerecorded time.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

> the referees thought that the little Flores people, although unique in their combination of skeletal features, were not quite so different from everything else in the hominin family as to warrant a new genus. The upshot of the peer review is that the new discovery is part of our genus Homo, but it is distinct from every other species in this genus. The authors proposed Homo floresianus. Luckily, one of the reviewers, who must have had a good knowledge of Latin, noted that ‘floresianus’ means ‘flowery anus’. Imagine the fun generations of students would have had with that name! It was quickly amended to the more satisfactory Homo floresiensis, named for the island on which the bones were discovered.

> DNA has recently been identified in stalagmites. It appears that if an animal or human even just brushes against a stalagmite, their DNA can rub off and become sealed in the deposit relatively quickly. What a sublime opportunity it would be to test whether DNA survives in stalagmites in caves on Flores

[Gracie Clay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Species, Big Mystery is a captivating look at the discovery of the tiny hominin Homo floresiensis (and a second tiny hominin Homo luzonensis) and its place in human evolution. In a short volume, Debbie Argue manages to write an account that is both scientifically rigorous and highly readable. She writes clearly and concisely, including her own personal account and the accounts of others involved in this and many other discoveries in paleoanthropology but keeping the focus on the scientific process. Argue includes two fascinating appendices, as well, about many of the different known hominin species and their discoveries.

I first read about Homo floresiensis in the early 2010s when I was in college studying human evolution and these peculiar small-statured hominins have intrigued me ever since, but before reading this book, I had a very limited knowledge of Homo floresiensis and had never heard of Homo luzonensis. Upon reading, my understanding of these species, and human evolution in general, has greatly expanded. I love how these tiny hominins have challenged so much of what we thought we knew about human evolution, particularly that such primitive species of Homo existed during the same time as modern humans, and that their existence on these Asiatic islands of Flores and Luzon implies that hominins left Africa much sooner than the Out of Africa hypothesis has long suggested. Honestly, I found the whole book riveting and would have devoured it just the same if it was twice as long.

[Daniel · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Little Species, Big Mystery — Debbie Argue

The book explores Homo floresiensis, the tiny extinct human species nicknamed the "Hobbit", discovered on the Indonesian island of Flores.

Despite the interesting subject, the book is weighed down by technical explanations, fossil comparisons and lengthy archaeological processes. I'd say at least 30% could be skimmed without losing much of the bigger picture.

What particularly caught my attention was the Wallace Line, a scientifically established biogeographical boundary running between Bali and Lombok.

During the Ice Ages, sea levels dropped approximately 120 metres, connecting mainland Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Java and Bali. Yet Bali and Lombok remained separated because the Lombok Strait was too deep. This geographical barrier helps explain the striking differences in wildlife between neighbouring islands, first documented by Alfred Russel Wallace over 160 years ago.

Another intriguing discovery is that ancient human relatives reached Flores at least a million years ago, despite having to cross open water. Whether they drifted across accidentally on natural rafts or possessed the ability to make deliberate sea crossings remains unresolved.

Living in Indonesia, I found these insights into the islands' ancient geography more compelling than much of the archaeological detail. A worthwhile read, although tighter editing would have made it considerably more engaging.

7.5/10 — Fascinating subject, occasionally tedious delivery.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written account, which enlightens the reader as to the nature and magnitude of the scientific discovery of Homo floresiensis, but also the process by which the discovery is announced, challenged and validated. Although the author's personal engagement is the starting point, it explains the counter arguments objectively enough. Devoured it in a day, which is rare for me.

[Phoebe Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired Debbie Argue’s work in archaeology and human evolution, and there is something so intriguing about Homo floresiensis. There is nothing better than a great writer on a fascinating subject.

[Richard Archambault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating quick look at some seriously intriguing discoveries. Well worth the read for anyone with even a passing interest in human evolution.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big fan