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Unique Characteristics of the Human Animal
September 17, 2012
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Homework Read two essays from your textbook:
“Do you Have a Grip on That? Pg. 86 “On Being Human” pg. 92 and answer the following in complete sentences; Describe how human’s grip is different from other primate’s grip. What physiological and anatomical structures allow for bipedalism? ( What is one major advantage of bipedalism?
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Unique Characteristics
Consistently Bipedal Bipedal – an organism with the ability to consistently walk upright on two limbs
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Environmental Flucuations
About 6 million years ago (mya) evidence suggest that the environment of hominids was changing – Forest giving way to grassland
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Pelvis Hominids species pelvic bones become short and broad allowing for vertical spine and slightly angled femur attachment
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Femur The femur bone slightly elongates and angles inward.
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Skull Comparison The attachment of the skull to the spine shifted from the back of the head to the bottom – allowing the skull to balanced and upright when walking on to limbs The angle of the face lessened and the brain compartment enlarged
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Curved Spine ≈2.5 mya Allows shock to be absorbed from walking upright
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Advantages & Disadvantages of Bipedalism
Tools Hunting & Gathering Child Care Appear larger & more intimidating Efficient form of locomotion Disadvantages Low speed Decreased ability to climb Strain on back (spine) Birthing process
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