In 2003, partial skeletons of nine individuals were discovered on the small Indonesian island of Flores. Scientists believe that they evolved from Homo erectus that came by boat and underwent island bound miniaturization, like other animal species, such as the pygmy elephant. Homo floresiensis (Hobbit) is thought to have survived on Flores at least until 12,000 years ago, making it the longest lasting non-modern human. It is believed that a volcanic eruption was responsible for their demise.
