Answer:
The Dmanisi hominins, found in Dmanisi, Georgia, exhibit several surprising features that distinguish them from other Homo erectus finds. Some of these distinguishing characteristics include:
1. Morphological variation: The Dmanisi hominins show significant morphological variation within the same population. This variation suggests that early Homo populations had a broader range of physical characteristics than previously thought. Some of the Dmanisi individuals exhibit features similar to Homo habilis, while others more closely resemble typical Homo erectus.
2. Smaller brain size: The brain size of the Dmanisi hominins is notably smaller than that of other Homo erectus specimens found in Africa and Asia. The average cranial capacity of the Dmanisi individuals is around 600-775 cubic centimeters, which is closer to the brain size of Homo habilis than to the larger-brained Homo erectus specimens.
3. Primitive skeletal features: The Dmanisi fossils display a mix of primitive and derived traits. Some features, such as the relatively small brain size and the shape of the skull, are more primitive, whereas other aspects of their anatomy, like the limb proportions, are more similar to later Homo erectus individuals.
4. Early migration: The Dmanisi fossils date back to approximately 1.8 million years ago, making them the earliest known evidence of hominins outside Africa. This early migration challenges the previously held belief that Homo erectus left Africa only after developing more advanced features like a larger brain and more sophisticated tools.
These distinguishing characteristics of the Dmanisi hominins provide valuable insights into the early stages of human evolution and migration and contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity within the Homo genus.