Bipedalism Flashcards
1
Q
What is bipedalism?
A
Bipedalism is the ability to walk upright on 2 legs
2
Q
What are the key bipedal features in the axial skeleton?
A
- eyes in the front (binocular vision)
- s-shaped spine
- foramen magnum under the skull
- teeth (clue to diet)
3
Q
What are the key bipedal features of the appendicular skeleton?
A
- angle of pelvis
- broad and round pelvis
- femurs aligned inwards
- big toe in line
- foot arch
4
Q
What are key bipedal features of the upper limbs?
A
- 2 hands with 5 digits
- mobile opposable thumbs for grasping and holding
- digits with flat nails (vs claws)
- long slender limbs that rotate freely at shoulders and hips
5
Q
What is the significance of the big toe being in line with the others?
A
This aids a bipedal animal in walking
6
Q
What is the significance of a foot arch?
A
This absorbs shock
7
Q
What are the advantages of bipedalism?
A
- hominids could see further
- free use of arms
- better survival
- stay cooler
- energy efficient
8
Q
How is the free use of arms an advantage of bipedalism?
A
- gather food and carry to safety
- make and use tools
- hold tools and weapons for defense and hunting
- use hands for communication
- carry offspring (migration)
