Why do we think Homo florensis may have descended from Homo erectus, as opposed to some other hominid?

Answer 1

There are a couple of reasons they think H. Florensis is a descendant of homo erectus. Ist, considering the probable time line, and where they were discovered, it is known that H. erectus had made it to this area a few million yrs before florensis would have shown up. No other hominid is known to have migrated to that area in the time allowed for the genetic mutations that would produce the difference in size. Also, cranial structures between erectus and florensis are very similar, indicating a direct lineage.

Answer 2

Possible, but highly controversial. The actual thought is that H. florensis was contemporary with Homo sapiens. Better to wait until H. florensis is confirmed as a species.

Answer 3

There is still quite a bit of debate revolving around Homo flroensis, and much of this debate revolves around whether or not these specimens are a separate species in the first place. Personally, I think the evidence is pretty good that they are not a separate species.