The graph above shows the inferred average brain size of a number of hominin species - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 32 - 2019 - Paper 1

To determine which species does not follow the general trend in brain size evolution among hominins, we first analyze the data represented in the graph. The graph illustrates a clear trend of increasing brain sizes from earlier hominin species to later ones.

1. Homo floresiensis has a notably smaller brain size compared to other species, appearing as an outlier for its relatively tiny volume, even among earlier hominins.

2. Homo habilis shows a brain size that is part of the gradual increase in the evolutionary timeline of brain size.

3. Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus africanus also fit into the trend of smaller brain sizes as part of early hominins, but not at the level of H. floresiensis.

4. Homo sapiens clearly falls within the increasing trend of brain size.

From this analysis, it can be concluded that Homo floresiensis does not follow the general trend in the inferred brain size seen in hominin evolution.