From which species is Homo floresiensis derived according to evolutionary theory?

Homo floresiensis, often referred to as the "Hobbit" due to its small stature, is considered to be derived from Homo erectus according to evolutionary theory. This small hominin species was discovered on the island of Flores in Indonesia and is thought to have lived relatively recently, around 100,000 to 60,000 years ago.

The link to Homo erectus is significant because this species is characterized by a number of traits, including larger body size and a more advanced tool-making ability, which likely contributed to the evolutionary adaptation of Homo floresiensis in a distinct island environment. The insular dwarfism observed in Homo floresiensis may be a response to the limited resources available on the island, leading them to evolve smaller body sizes over generations.

While other species, such as Homo sapiens and Homo habilis, are important in the broader evolutionary context, the morphological and archaeological evidence points towards Homo erectus as the most direct ancestor of Homo floresiensis. Australopithecus afarensis, being much older and more primitive, is not considered a direct ancestor in the lineage leading to Homo floresiensis.