A tiny human ancestor that lived 18,000 years ago had a brain with characteristics found only in modern humans, researchers said in the journal Science.

Seven small humans were discovered on an Indonesian island last year. Researchers who studied the nearly complete skull of a 30-year-old woman said it shared two important characteristics with modern humans despite the tiny size of its brain. Also, stone tools normally associated with modern humans were found with the remains.

Some scientists remain skeptical. They say human ancestors with tiny brains lacked the capability to make tools.

Get the Story:
Advanced Brain Is Cited in Fossil (The Washington Post 3/4)
pwpwd
Extinct and With Tiny Brain, but a Clever Little Relative? (The New York Times 3/4)
pwnyt

Related Stories:
Researchers find new species of small humans (10/28)