10 ON THE MOVE: BIPEDALISM AND EXERCISE Flashcards
What is the recommended amount of exercise per day according to Thomas Jefferson?
Not less than two hours a day
Jefferson emphasized the importance of exercise for both body and mind.
What is bipedalism?
The ability to walk exclusively on two legs
Humans are the only primates that have adopted bipedalism as a primary mode of movement.
What are some proposed theories for the evolution of bipedalism in early humans?
- To free hands for carrying objects
- To gain a better line of sight
- To improve projectile throwing
These theories suggest various environmental and survival advantages to adopting bipedalism.
Who is Lucy and why is she significant?
A famous protohuman model for early bipedalism
Lucy lived about 3.2 million years ago and was only 3.5 feet tall.
What adaptations did early humans undergo for bipedalism?
- Longer, straighter necks
- Supple backs
- Angled thigh bones
- Inward angling of the femur
These changes contributed to a more efficient and graceful gait.
What is the gluteus maximus and its role in human movement?
A distinctively large muscle in the buttocks
It is crucial for powering forward motion in bipedalism.
What is the nuchal ligament and its function?
A ligament that holds the head steady when running
This adaptation is key for long-distance running in humans.
True or False: Humans are the fastest runners among mammals.
False
Humans are not the speediest creatures but excel in endurance running.
What is persistence hunting?
A hunting strategy that relies on endurance running to tire out prey
This method was effective due to human sweating capabilities and stamina.
What anatomical changes occurred in humans due to the evolution of throwing?
- High mobile waist
- Loose shoulders
- Upper arm capable of whiplike motion
These adaptations enabled powerful and accurate throwing.
What health benefits are associated with regular exercise?
- Reduces risk of heart attack or stroke
- Strengthens bones
- Boosts immune system
- Improves mood
- Staves off senility
Exercise has wide-ranging benefits for overall health.
What was the significance of Jeremy Morris’s study in the 1940s?
It demonstrated a direct link between exercise and health
Morris’s study compared bus drivers and conductors, showing that conductors had lower heart attack rates.
Fill in the blank: The average American walks only about _______ a day.
a third of a mile
This includes all forms of walking, indicating low activity levels.
What is the recommended amount of moderate activity according to the CDC?
150 minutes per week
This recommendation is based on what is perceived as a realistic goal rather than optimal health.
What evolutionary trait do humans possess regarding fat storage?
A tendency to store fat as a fuel reserve
This trait was advantageous for survival in lean times but contributes to modern obesity.
What percentage of American men and women are overweight, according to the WHO?
- Over 80% of men
- 77% of women
Obesity rates have significantly increased since 1988.
What is the percentage of American men who are overweight according to the World Health Organization?
More than 80 percent
This statistic highlights the prevalence of overweight individuals in the United States.
What is the body mass index (BMI) range for overweight individuals?
25 to 30
BMI is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
What is the definition of obesity in terms of BMI?
Anything above 30
Obesity is a more severe classification of overweight.
What significant change in average weight has occurred for women in the U.S. from 1960 to today?
Average weight increased from 140 pounds to 166 pounds
This reflects a broader trend of rising weights in the population.
What is the estimated annual cost to the American economy for healthcare related to overweight individuals?
$150 billion
This figure underscores the economic impact of obesity.
What percentage of children today are expected to be obese by age thirty-five?
More than half
This alarming prediction indicates a worsening trend in childhood obesity.
In which country does the highest proportion of citizens being overweight occur?
Chile, at 74.2 percent
This statistic highlights global obesity trends beyond the United States.
What is the average rate of obesity in OECD rich countries?
19.5 percent
This average masks significant variations among different countries.
How many miles must a person walk to lose just one pound?
Thirty-five miles
This illustrates the difficulty of losing weight through exercise alone.
What is ‘non-exercise activity thermogenesis’ (NEAT)?
Energy expended from normal daily living
NEAT includes calories burned through non-exercise activities.
What is the calorie burn from just standing for one hour?
107 calories
This shows that simple activities can contribute to overall calorie expenditure.
True or False: Sitting for six hours or more a day increases mortality risk for men by nearly 20 percent.
True
Sedentary behavior significantly impacts health outcomes.
What is the obesity paradox?
Slightly overweight individuals may survive serious illnesses better than those who are lean or obese
This concept is debated among researchers.
What is the potential increase in life expectancy for regular joggers according to a study of eighteen thousand runners?
Five to six years longer
This suggests a positive correlation between jogging and longevity.
Fill in the blank: The average weight of American men has gone from ______ pounds in 1960 to 196 pounds today.
166
This is a significant increase reflecting changing health trends.
What lifestyle factor can nullify the benefits gained from exercise?
Sitting for extended periods
Sedentary lifestyles counteract the health benefits of physical activity.
What is the average obesity rate in France compared to twenty-five years ago?
49 percent of adults are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese, compared to less than 6 percent
This indicates a significant increase in obesity rates over time.
