Hominins adaptations to upright locomotion (bipedalism)
11 important questions on Hominins adaptations to upright locomotion (bipedalism)
What are the advantages of bipedalism?
- Food is more easily carried
- Allows living from a home base
- Bipedal hominins had a better view over their surroundings and could more easily spot danger
- Energetic advantage for bipedal strolling
- Avoid over heating by strong sunshine (better regulation of body temperature)
What are anatomical traits associated with bipedalism?
- Calcaneus (heelbone) extended backwards, toe bone straightened, small hallux abduction
- Larger valgus angle of the knee joint
- Pelvis tilted, makes an angle with the spine; pubis to the front, ilial blade bended backwards; functional changes in muscles
- Lateral orientation of shoulder joint
- Position foramen magnum in basicranium
What is the advantage of an S-shaped spine?
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What are changes in the pelvis that are related to bipedalism?
- Pelvis is shortened and wider
- Ilium is shorter and tilted backwards
- Ischium makes a shorter bend
- Pubis is more directed frontally
- Distance between left and right acetabulum is larger
What is the difference between abductor and adductor muscles?
What is the axial turn and when is it used?
Is the axial turn specific for Homo sapiens?
What are adaptations in the femur and knee of Homo sapiens?
- Inclination angle
- Valgus angle
- Obturator groove becomes smaller
What can you tell about the footprins of Laetoli?
- Found in Tanzania
- Footprint in volcanic ash an adult and a young individual
- 3.7 million years old!
- Solid proof for early bipedalism
- Attributed to Australopithecus afarensis
What is the hallux abduction?
What are the disadvantages of bipedalism?
- Obstetric problems
- Back pain
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