bipedalism

• benefits

  • see over tall savannah grasses
  • look bigger than predators and spot predators/prey
  • wade through shallow water
  • thermoregulation - less SA exposed to sun, greater airflow across body
  • energy efficient method of locomotion
• features of footprints that led scientists to conclude ancient footprints were bipedal?

  2 footprints

  2 foot arches
• pelvis?

  wide, short, bowl shaped

  • support body weight, upper organs and provides attachment for muscles in locomotion
• list 12 features of erectus that indicate they were bipedal

  centralised foramen magnum

  Small nuchal area for neck muscle attachment

  Reduced prognathism

  S shaped spine with lumbar curve

  Small spinous processes of cervical vertebrae that are angled down

  Large wedge shaped lumbar vertebrae with vertical spinous processes

  Broad bowl-shaped pelvis

  Large carrying angle

  Large, buttressed lateral condyle in knee

  Non opposable big toe

  Transverse and longitudinal arches in foot

  Robust heel bone
• advantage of non oppo big toe

  bipedal method of locomotion