The Brain of LB1, <i>Homo floresiensis</i>

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.