Bipedalism

Human Evolution: Bipedalism The evolution of bipedalism is said to be one of the most crucial stages in evolution itself. The ability to stand changed the body’s locomotion forever. Bipedal locomotion consists of walking, running, and standing on two legs. Being able to carry out these tasks caused a series of complex transitions. The entire human body had to adapt to this huge change. Not only did the legs undergo drastic changes, but the entire body did as well. The evolution of bipedalism helped certain species survive in their environment, changed and altered their bone structures, posing both advantages and disadvantages for human beings. With the evolution of bipedalism humans became more fit for their environment because they were now able to use their hands and arms for other uses besides walking on all fours. Humans could now stand fully erect, and reach tall trees and shrubberies for food, as well as using their arms for hunting and gathering. Besides using their newfound appendages, they could also see farther distances with their now higher statute. Humans went from walking on all fours about four feet above the ground, to walking tall at an average of around five foot nine. With their new line of vision, humans were aware of predators and prey from far distances, they could also spot where they were in the wilderness rather then roaming around aimlessly. Alterations with the human skeleton occurred in foot bone arrangement, knee size, hip size and shape, leg length and structure, skull shape, and last but not least vertebral column shape. The human foot now acts as a platform to support the entire weight of the human body. Knee joints were enlarged to better support human body weight and were placed directly under the body, unlike ancestral hominids whose knees were placed outward of the body. The hip joints were enlarged for the same exact reason. Hips also changed into a wider shape, bringing the vertebral column closer to the hip