12,000-Year-Old Skeleton Found in Italy Shows Evidence of Rare Dwarfism

Daniel Fernandes preparing to take a sample from skeleton of Romito 2. Credit: Adrian Daly / University of ViennaA 12,000-year-old skeleton uncovered in a cave in southern Italy has revealed one of the earliest known cases of rare dwarfism in humans, according to a new genetic study. Researchers identified the condition as acrosomelic dysplasia, Maroteaux type, a rare form of dwarfism that results in extreme limb shortening. The skeleton, found in Italy, shows that the genetic mutation responsible for this rare dwarfism was already present in human populations thousands of years ago. Prehistoric case of rare dwarfism in Italy’s skeletonFurther analysis revealed that Romito 2 was buried near an adult woman, Romito 1, who stood about 4 feet 9 inches. Neither skeleton showed signs of trauma, and researchers noted that Romito 2 had a diet and health status similar to others buried at the site.