The Main Features of Modern Human Locomotion

Apparent Differences Among Human Ancestors Before the Emergence of Homo Sapiens

The goal of this essay is to evaluate and outline the main features of modern human locomotion and explain what differences may have been apparent among human ancestors before the emergence of the Homo sapiens.

The case study investigates the abovementioned proposition by following several steps: first, undertaking a critical review of recent literature on the subject with a particular focus on the differences that may have been apparent among the ancestors of human before the emergence of Homo sapiens. Second, identifying issues related to the abovementioned proposition. Third, by exploring the discourse underpinning the perspectives of the different theories. Fourth, by making recommendations to enhance the research potential in the area.

In other words, the essays aims to highlight the main features of modern locomotion by using contemporary literature sources, thus examining the case towards it core.

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Introduction

This essays involves two main phases. Phase one is based on the the description of the main

features of modern human locomotion. Phase two is more exploratory and involves

explanation of the differences that may have been apparent among human ancestors before the

emergence of the Homo sapiens. The evolution of the primate is used as a framework to

explore the implications of the theory via document analysis, archival records and authors'

interpretations on the subject. Said in short, human ancestors, or early hominins shared a

number of likewise important traits, as well as possessed a considerable amount of anatomical

differences in terms of locomotion. For example, the bones of their pelvis or in short hip

region were shortened from top to bottom and have a bowl shape (Novembre, J et all, 2007).

In fact the latter was beneficial for the locomotion as it made the pelvis of the early human

ancestors more stable for weight support in upright position or moving bipedally (Fleagle, J.

G, 1998).

Features of modern human locomotion

In early hominids the locomotion features were quite different from the modern humans.

Simply put, the locomotion of the species before the appearance of the Homo sapiens was

devoted to features such as energy efficiency and so on (Fleagle, J. G, 1998). The most

outstanding feature of the early hominids were their feet that represented a platform to support

the entire weight of the body. During the years the evolution the feet were transformed into

having enlarged heels, capable to bear the increased amount of weight (Aiello,Leslie and

Christopher, 2002). Moreover, the human knee joints enlarged for the same reason as their

feet; their limbs also got longer, a feature that permits humans to lock their knees and stand up

straight for long periods of time without much effort from the muscles (Saladin,

Kenneth,2010). In addition, the changes in the shape of the hip were done mostly due to the

energy efficiency adaptation. The lattest change helped to stabilize the torso in modern

humans.

The vertebral column changes influenced positively the development of Homo sapiens.

Without it humans would not use less muscular effort to stand and walk upright (Wang et all,

2004). The skull has also involved, while contemporary human evolution would not be

possible without the larger brains contained in the skull. Unfortunately, some modern features

of the human locomotion remain poorly adapted to the bipedalism. This is especially true for

the lower part of the back and the knee joints, that are malfunctioned due to the osteological

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malfunction. However, the empirical studies on the subject are vast, having its main focus on

the idea that locomotion features in early hominids were quite different from the ones in

modern humans (Kilgore, Trevathan, W. & Jurmain, , 2004; Lewin, 2004; Fleagle, 1998;

Brothwell,1963).

Differences apparent among human ancestors before the emergence of Homo sapiens

However, to generate knowledge about the questions posed in this essay a relevant

examination of the literature provided was made. Moreover, a case study using a number of

sources as basic evidence was chosen. According to several surveys (Kilgore, Trevathan, W.

& Jurmain, , 2004; Lewin, 2004; Fleagle, 1998; Brothwell,1963) the early hominin legs and

foot bones were much more similar to ours than to the ones of the apes. This view has

recently been challenged and a new perspective was proposed,identifying the main reasons

behind that particularity. Fleagle (1998) states that the bipedal locomotion was the method of

adaptation of the early hominins to live in a mixed woodland and grassland environment. The

author also suggested that bipedalism was chosen because it made easier walking in long

distances for unlimited period of time. In addition, the mere upright posture of the body was

used in order to dissipate excess body heat. Due to the abovementioned suggestions it might

be concluded that the bipedal animals were able to walk great distances with limited amount

of energy spent.

With regards to locomotion and the differences apparent among the early human ancestors, it

should be said that Australopithecus anamensis were also bipedal, however they were highly

efficient tree climbers. The shapes of the arms and the leg bones indicated that they were

bipedal. Not only that but also their canine teeth were relevantly large compared to later

australopithecines and humans ( Aiello and Dean, 2002). The alignment of the teeth in the jaw

was somewhat rectangular, reminding of the apes, rather that the modern human dental arch.

The abovementioned kinds of species were the ancestors of the Homo sapiens; moreover,

the australopitecins were in its line of evolution, despite more evidence is understandably

needed in order to verify the validity of such conclusions. This approach would allow the

examination of the contribution of different literature sources.

However, it must be noted that while this essays aims to highlight and assess the main

features of modern human locomotion and explain what differences may have been apparent

among human ancestors before the emergence of the Homo sapiens, we cannot conclude with

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absolute certainty that human ancestors, or early hominins shared a number of likewise

important traits, as well as possessed a considerable amount of anatomical differences in

terms of locomotion. Thus, that type of perception could be misleading being used as a

starting point for further research on the subject. Many earlier writers believe that that the

bipedal locomotion was the method of adaptation of the early hominins to live in a mixed

woodland and grassland environment (see for example Fleagle,1998; Aiello and Dean, 2002;

Lewin, 2004;). Increasing emphasis is being placed on the idea bipedalism was chosen

because it made easier walking in long distances for unlimited period of time. In addition, the

mere upright posture of the body was used in order to dissipate excess body heat.

Conclusions

This essay began by understanding the main tasks of it. Guided by the notion of critical

review of recent literature on the subject with a particular focus on the differences that may

have been apparent among the ancestors of human before the emergence of Homo sapiens, a

case study approach was undertaken in order to allow the examination of the contribution of

different literature sources. Based on the findings, the study conclude that early hominins

shared a number of likewise important traits, as well as possessed a considerable amount of

anatomical differences in terms of locomotion. Moreover, the bipedal locomotion was the

method of adaptation of the early hominins to live in a mixed woodland and grassland

environment. It has also been suggested that bipedalism was chosen because it made easier

walking in long distances for unlimited period of time. It appears that The most outstanding

feature of the early hominids were their feet that represented a platform to support the entire

weight of the body. During the years the evolution the feet were transformed into having

enlarged heels, capable to bear the increased amount of weight (Aiello,Leslie and Christopher,

2002).

Since, the abovementioned theories were not developed in full, it should be noted that

australopitecins were in the line of evolution of modern humans, despite more evidence is

understandably needed in order to verify the validity of such conclusions. As this is the case,

the fact that they were also bipedal, however highly efficient tree climbers is more than

important.The shapes of the arms and the leg bones indicated that they were bipedal. Not only

that but also their canine teeth were relevantly large compared to later australopithecines and

humans ( Aiello and Dean, 2002). The alignment of the teeth in the jaw was somewhat

rectangular, reminding of the apes, rather that the modern human dental arch. Hence, many

earlier writers believe that that the bipedal locomotion was the method of adaptation of the

Details

• College: Anglia Ruskin University
• Grade: 5.50
• Author: Silvia Stamenova (Author)
• Publication Year: 2017
• Pages: 6
• Catalog Number: V387415
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668614796
• ISBN (Book): 9783668614802
• Language: English
• Tags: human locomotion emergence homo sapience influence