Did the assumed partial skeleton LB1 (aka Homo floresiensis) really have long feet?

摘要

About 100 hominin bones were found during excavations at the Liang Bua cave on the island of Flores, Indonesia. More than 60 of them were assigned to the partial skeleton LB1 which was designated as the holotype of a new species, Homofloresiensis. Analyses of skeletal proportions of LB led to the conclusion that its foot was exceptionally long relative to femur and tibia, respectively. This ratio was considered a unique feature that contributes to the definition of the new species. The published illustrations of the in situ-situation and the published inventory of the bones suggest a high degree of commingling rather than the presence of larger anatomically joining units that was asserted in the publications on the findings. The available information further suggests that hand and foot bones of several individuals were found commingled as well. Here I argue, based on the published data, that certain problems exist regarding the correct anatomical identification of some of the phalangeal bones that contributed to the results on which the conclusions about skeletal proportions in LB1 were based. It is further suggested that the assignment of bones to specific individuals is debatable. Conclusions on the taxonomic status of the Liang Bua hominins and their pattern of bipedalism based on these data therefore need to be substantiated by further studies. Specifically, on the basis of the available information, a large relative foot length should no longer be claimed as a unique feature of the presumed new species H. floresiensis.