<i>Homo floresiensis</i> and <i>Homo luzonensis</i> are not temporally exceptional relative to <i>Homo erectus</i>

The presence of Homo floresiensis and luzonensis in southeast Asia 90,000 to 60,000 years ago is considered surprising by many, has been used support their designation as unique species the islands they were discovered on refugia. Here, we statistically test null hypothesis that H. represent temporally uninterrupted occurrences relative erectus. We do this using ‘surprise test’ for exceptionality a new record. Results demonstrate are not distinct Their late persistence should, therefore, be surprising, cannot reliably inferred outside erectus’ temporal range, – Luzon Flores supported Similarly, erectus at Ngandong, Java, demonstrated earlier, principally mainland-Asian, Further, substantial numbers fossil discoveries would needed before expected range. If descended from populations, our results point toward either geographic processes allopatric speciation or behavioural leading sympatric event.