1. Unique Characteristics of the Human Animal
September 17, 2012

2. 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?

3. Unique Characteristics
Consistently Bipedal
Bipedal – an organism with the ability to consistently walk upright on two limbs

4. Environmental Flucuations
About 6 million years ago (mya) evidence suggest that the environment of hominids was changing – Forest giving way to grassland

5. Pelvis
Hominids species pelvic bones become short and broad allowing for vertical spine and slightly angled femur attachment

9. Femur
The femur bone slightly elongates and angles inward.

11. 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

14. Curved Spine ≈2.5 mya
Allows shock to be absorbed from walking upright

15. 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