Bi-pedalism

  • 1 CE

    Sahelanthropus tchadenis

    Earliest hominini from Chad
    7-6 Ma
    First evidence of bipedalism: Position and axis foramen magnum
  • 2

    Orrorin tugenesis

    Earliest hominini
    Tugen Hill, Kenya
    6 Ma
    First evidence of bipedalism: femur suggest bipedalism, teeth suggest hominini
  • 3

    Australopithecines

    Primitive bipedalism, valgus knee, primitive pelvis
    East, South Africa
    4 Ma
  • 4

    Homo habilis

    Initial modification about 2.5 Ma
  • 5

    Homo erectus

    Modern bipedalism because of modern shape
    bowl pelvis, strong muscle attachment
    1.5 Ma
  • 6

    Anatomical Markers

    1.Foramen Magnum: forward/downwards, hole in skull, vertical in humans - support spinal cord
    2.Non-grasping big toe: parallel to support locomotion
    3.Valgus knee: close knee stance, femur at an angle to articulate tibia, center of gravity at mid-line
    4.Barrel-shaped rib cage
    5.Pelvic bowl: iliac blade curved forward, large surface attachment of muscles, aid in balance
    6.S-shaped spine: balance - distribution of weight
    7.Expanded tibial plateau: end of tibia expanded, extra shock absorbance,,,