Human Beings The Physical Characteristics Of…

Bi-Pedalism What is bi-pedalism? –Walking upright (erect) on two feet How is our anatomy designed for bi- pedalism? –Skull balances on top of the spine –S-curved spine to support the weight –Pelvis/ hip sockets have been modified The byproducts of bi-pedalism –Freeing of the hands for other tasks

Bi-Pedalism Explain the cons of bi-pedalism –Slower –Uses more energy than on all fours –Loss of acute sense of smell –More easily seen by predators Explain the pros of bi-pedalism –Mobility increases –Use of hands –Better visibility –Expanded our range

Human Hand Explain the opposable thumb –Opposable thumbs can be rotated against the fingers allowing us to grasp both large and small objects.

Human Foot Why is the human foot an engineering marvel? –It alleviates stress on the body by acting like a shock absorber –Gives us greater balance

Human Stamina & Endurance What is the give and take that exists between speed and stamina? –Humans are able to run at extreme speeds only in short bursts. –However, humans are able to maintain moderate speeds over amazing distances.

Human Skin The function of skin –Hairs are underdeveloped –10x more sweat glands than chimps for more efficient temperature regulation –Melanin in the skin protects humans from UV rays

Human Skin & Fire Importance of fire to human skin –It allows `the expansion of population because humans could stay warm in colder climates.

Human Vision What is Stereoscopic vision? –Ability to see in 3 dimensions –Caused by the positioning of our eyes Humans are one of the few species that see in color –Importance of seeing color We can see in color because we live active lives in daylight We have poor night vision

The Human Face Importance of the human face –It is a “sign board” for highly complex messages –Eye openings, eye brows, eye lashes, prolonged eye contact, smiles

The Human Face The forehead: related to a gradual increases in brain size. The larger the forehead the more expression we can show.

Human Brain Two things have happened to the brain over the course of the last 3.5 million years –Increased in size –Skull added space in front for the forebrain (frontal lobe) The connection between brain size and intelligence is loose. –Neanderthals brains were actually bigger than ours 1500 cc versus 1400 cc

Human Brain Why might a big brain not be an advantage? –More energy and protein are required –More temperature control is required for brain to function The brain acts as a failsafe for our body –We call this a redundant circuit Brain is the last line of defense for telling an individual that their body may be in danger

Human Brain What are the major areas of the brain? –Cortex Largest area of the brain –Divided into four lobes or parts Associated with higher brain functions –Reasoning, planning, speech, movement, problem solving, orientation, recognition, vision, and memory –Frontal Lobe Part of the cortex Rational thought –Reason and logic center

Human Brain –Hippocampus Part of the cortex –Responsible memory »Long and short term –Amygdala Center of your raw emotions –Those that are inherent in you –Fear, panic, performance anxiety, guilt, happiness and pleasure

Human Brain –Cerebellum –Responsible for motor skills –Allows athletes to override the frontal lobe and the amygdala, so they can get “into the zone”