Final answer:
Homo floresiensis, or 'the Hobbit,' is believed to have lived until about 60,000 years ago on Flores Island in Indonesia. They were small in stature with sophisticated behaviors like tool-making and use of fire. The species' discovery has significant implications for our understanding of human evolution, especially in island ecosystems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The youngest age for Homo floresiensis, commonly referred to as "the Hobbit," dates back to approximately 60,000 years ago. This species of archaic humans lived on Flores Island in Indonesia and exhibited many unique traits compared to other Homo species. Despite their diminutive stature, standing about 3 feet 7 inches tall, these individuals showed complex behaviors such as tool-making, use of fire, and hunting characteristics resembling those of Homo erectus. The discovery of H. floresiensis broadened our understanding of human evolution, particularly within island ecosystems where evolutionary pressures can lead to distinct adaptations.
Evolutionary theories about H. floresiensis suggest that they could be a sister species of Homo habilis or descendants of Homo erectus that experienced dwarfism after becoming isolated on the island. Their anatomical differences, such as the lack of a chin, thicker leg bones, flat and relatively long feet, as well as increased mobility in the elbow joint, suggest adaptations for a different mode of bipedalism and possibly tree climbing. Notably, they also had a small brain size, around 380 cc, yet retained cognitive abilities as evinced by their tool use and other intelligent behaviors.