A new small-bodied hominin species, Homo floresiensis, was discovered on Flores, Indonesia, during excavations at Liang Bua in 2003. This species, with a stature of approximately 1 meter and an endocranial volume of 380 cm³, is similar in size to Australopithecus afarensis. The hominin exhibits a unique combination of primitive and derived traits, suggesting it is a new species. The most likely explanation for its existence is long-term isolation, leading to endemic dwarfing of an ancestral Homo erectus population. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the diversity and adaptability of the Homo genus. The LB1 skeleton, a partial adult, includes a complete cranium and mandible, right leg and left innominate, and other skeletal elements. It is estimated to be a female, with a small body size and brain volume. The hominin's cranial and postcranial features show a mosaic of primitive and derived traits, placing it within the Homo genus. The species is characterized by a small body size, reduced facial height and prognathism, smaller postcanine teeth, and a unique cranial base flexure. The discovery of Homo floresiensis highlights the morphological diversity and adaptability of the Homo genus. The species is believed to have evolved due to long-term isolation on Flores, leading to dwarfing. The study provides insights into the evolutionary processes and adaptive strategies of hominins, particularly in isolated environments. The findings suggest that Homo floresiensis was a toolmaker, indicating its cognitive abilities. The research underscores the importance of long-term genetic isolation in shaping hominin evolution and highlights the need for further studies in similar isolated environments.A new small-bodied hominin species, Homo floresiensis, was discovered on Flores, Indonesia, during excavations at Liang Bua in 2003. This species, with a stature of approximately 1 meter and an endocranial volume of 380 cm³, is similar in size to Australopithecus afarensis. The hominin exhibits a unique combination of primitive and derived traits, suggesting it is a new species. The most likely explanation for its existence is long-term isolation, leading to endemic dwarfing of an ancestral Homo erectus population. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about the diversity and adaptability of the Homo genus. The LB1 skeleton, a partial adult, includes a complete cranium and mandible, right leg and left innominate, and other skeletal elements. It is estimated to be a female, with a small body size and brain volume. The hominin's cranial and postcranial features show a mosaic of primitive and derived traits, placing it within the Homo genus. The species is characterized by a small body size, reduced facial height and prognathism, smaller postcanine teeth, and a unique cranial base flexure. The discovery of Homo floresiensis highlights the morphological diversity and adaptability of the Homo genus. The species is believed to have evolved due to long-term isolation on Flores, leading to dwarfing. The study provides insights into the evolutionary processes and adaptive strategies of hominins, particularly in isolated environments. The findings suggest that Homo floresiensis was a toolmaker, indicating its cognitive abilities. The research underscores the importance of long-term genetic isolation in shaping hominin evolution and highlights the need for further studies in similar isolated environments.