The scientists found "undeniably asymmetrical features" within the skull bones, which they say further supports that the skull belonged to someone with the size-related genetic disorder. They calculated that the individual stood just over 4 feet tall, as opposed to 3 1/2 feet, per the earlier report.
"Clearly this was not a basketball candidate, but the specimen was not as short as previously reported," Eckhardt said. "People on Flores tend to be of shorter stature even today."
The scientists also found that the individual's teeth are consistent with those of Rampasasa pygmies now on the island. Finally, asymmetry in some of the leg bones found near the skull further points to microcephaly, which can run in families.
Robert Martin, provost of The Field Museum in Chicago, told Discovery News that he too investigated the "hobbit human" claims and, "In an independent investigation, we came to the same conclusion as Eckhardt and his team. Stone tools were also found with the bones and these were very sophisticated tools that only Homo sapiens could have made."
Martin said, "Either the skull belonged to a stunning new hominid or a pathological modern human representing the earliest known evidence for microcephaly in the human fossil record. We agree with Eckhardt and his team that the latter is likely the case."
He added, "What is remarkable is what this tells us about human societies at the time. This individual would have to have been supported and cared for by others, since the person could never have survived to such an advanced age without assistance."
