On the Origin of Dwarves

I've been trying to come up with a genetically plausible origin for dwarves, but with little success. By dwarves, I'm talking about the jolly and burly people similar to that of Tolkien's dwarves.

My questions is thus: "What would cause a species (preferably of a common ancestor to humans) to evolve into a short and muscular creature?"

Bonus points if they still live in caves, but it isn't really necessary.

Additional info (will be appended as necessary):

• Magic exists in the world, but dwarves have little to no access to it.
• The cause must be due to genetics (meaning, no stuff like their god created them that way or some witch caused them to look like that).
• No precursor race to control their gene pool (meaning no stuff like breeding them for slavery purposes or whatnot).
• Can be eugenics if you can provide a plausible advantage for them to choose to breed with those characteristics (meaning no forced eugenics)
• They must become an entirely new species, but cross breeding with humans will be fine.
• Might also be caused by the naturally available diet to them, but if so, must take into account that they don't become large again once they start developing (meaning they don't increase once they start eating the same thing humans eat)

posted over 6 years ago

Foolish‭

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