spinal changes

Question 1

what spine does a bipedal have?

Answer 1

s shaped spine

Question 2

what spine does an ape have?

Answer 2

c shaped spine

Question 3

why do bipedals have an s shaped spine?

Answer 3

to accommodate the upright posture and strain of bipedalism. The weight of chest sits almost directly above the join between spine and pelvis rather than further forward. this improves both balance and acts as a shock absorber when walking.

Question 4

why do apes have a c shaped spine?

Answer 4

the vertebrae is the same size, the load is equally carried hence promoting a quadrupedal locomotion

Question 5

what is the advantage of a s-shaped spine?

Answer 5

little muscular energy is expended when standing in an upright posture to hold the head and torso over the legs. it makes standing and walking bipedally more energy efficient, resulting in individuals being able to reassign that energy to travelling and searching for food.