The Evolution Of Human Locomotion Wk10

Question 1

What is wrong with current evolution process?

Answer 1

• shows evolution as linear

- no women

Question 2

What are adaptations to upright posture and habitual bipedalism in humans?

Answer 2

• Thorax flattened dorsoventrally
• Sacrum & ilium tilt backwards
• Lumbar lordosis
• Thoracic kyphosis
• Wedge-shaped sacrum
• Strong erector spinae & abdominal muscles
• Basin-shaped pelvis supports viscera
• Wide ilium for attachment of gluteal muscles
• Gluteus medius & minimis provide lateral support – allows one leg to be lifted at a time
• Large joints & strong ligaments – forces transmitted from lower limb to axial skeleton
• NB. Wide birth canal
• Long leg – pendulum
• Femur angled medially towards knee (bicondylar angle of distal femur, valgus angle at knee)
• Locking mechanism at knee
• Large, relatively fixed toes and non-opposable hallux in line with other toes
• Arches in foot create sprung platform
• Projecting calcaneum for attachment of calf muscles