8 months ago
Hobbits' extinction linked to severe rainfall decline
Scientists have found that the hobbits, a small human species, went extinct around 50,000 years ago on the island of Flores.
The main reason was a big drop in rainfall, which made it hard for their food, like stegodon (a type of elephant), to survive.
This also forced the hobbits to move towards the coast, where they might have met modern humans.
At the same time, a volcanic eruption made things even worse.
Experts say this shows how changes in climate can greatly affect life on small islands.
Homo floresiensis (hobbits) went extinct around 50,000 years ago due to a severe decline in rainfall on Flores.
The drought reduced the availability of stegodon, a primary food source for the hobbits.
A volcanic eruption around the same time likely worsened the hobbits' situation.
The hobbits may have moved towards the coast, potentially encountering Homo sapiens.
Experts agree that the findings highlight the significant impact of climate change on small island ecosystems.
- Who
- Homo floresiensis (hobbits) and Homo sapiens
- What
- Extinction of hobbits due to climate change and volcanic eruption
- Where
- Indonesian island of Flores
- When
- Around 50,000 years ago
- Why
- Severe rainfall decline and volcanic eruption led to reduced prey availability and competition with Homo sapiens
Key facts
- Species
- Homo floresiensis (hobbits)
- Location
- Indonesian island of Flores
- Timeframe
- Around 50,000 years ago
- Primary Prey
- Stegodon (extinct elephant relative)
- Climate Change
- Rainfall dropped from 61 inches to 40 inches
- Volcanic Eruption
- Around 50,000 years ago
- Research Method
- Stalagmite analysis and stegodon teeth examination
Quotes
Nick Scroxton
Lead researcher and hydrology and paleoclimate specialist at University College Dublin
“If the stegodon population were declining due to reduced river flow, then they would have migrated away to a more consistent water source. So it makes sense for the hobbits to have followed.”
indianexpress.com
Julien Louys
Palaeontologist at Griffith University in Australia
“There’s only a limited amount of space on an island, and only so many types of environments that can be harboured. As conditions dry out, animals can’t escape to larger landmasses, and those few remaining refuges quickly become overcrowded.”
indianexpress.com
Debbie Argue
Researcher at the Australian National University
“The paper gives us an excellent insight into a changing climatic environment in the region.”
indianexpress.com
