Auburn Career Center Human Bipedality Discussion
I’m working on a astronomy discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.
Background:
It is apparent from the fossil record that between about 6 and 2 million years ago, a substantial set of changes occurred in the hominin lineage that eventually resulted in a very different kind of primate: humans. One of these major changes was the transition from a mixed terrestrial bipedal and arboreal climbing existence to an obligate, exclusively terrestrial bipedal one.
Bipedality is one of the determining traits of the hominins and is directly linked with our emergence and separation from the apes. But the question remains: why did this transition take place and what was so great about being a full-time biped?
Instructions:
- Watch the Jeremy DeSilva video on the evolution of upright walking. Then, answer the question below based on the video and chapter 7 in your text.
- Be sure to review the possible explanations for the emergence of human bipedality on pages 205 and 206.
- What theory do you think best explains why walking upright provided an evolutionary advantage for our species? Why?
- Write one paragraph for your initial post.
- Then respond to two other students’ posts.
