Prehistoric human relatives, nicknamed ‘hobbits’ due to their short stature, may have been scavengers rather than skilled hunters. According to new research, Homo floresiensis may have survived by scavenging leftovers from Komodo dragons, rather than hunting large game or using fire to cook their food.

Study findings

The study, which included a feeding experiment involving a Komodo dragon, found that the hobbits likely used their tools to scavenge raw meat from the bones of Stegodon, a bison-size extinct relative of elephants. The researchers believe that Komodo dragons may have hunted the Stegodon, and the hobbits would then scavenge the leftovers.

The researchers analyzed the bones of Stegodon and found that the markings on the bones were similar to those made by Komodo dragons. They also found that the hobbits’ tools were used to cut meat from the bones, but not to hunt the Stegodon.

Implications

The study’s findings have implications for our understanding of human evolution. The researchers suggest that Homo floresiensis may have had a more primitive behavioral repertoire than previously thought, and that they may have been more closely related to earlier human species, such as Homo habilis.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.