Question

Given the significance of bipedalism in terms of hominin evolution and human attributes, think about what you learned in class as well as the textbook. Give 3 biological changes and 2 behavioral explanations for its evolutionary advantage.

Answer 1

Bipedalism in hominin evolution is facilitated by three biological changes and offers advantages like freeing hands and increasing energy efficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bipedalism, or walking on two feet, is a significant characteristic of hominin evolution and human attributes. There are three important biological changes that facilitated bipedalism:

1. Angling of the femur inward at a valgus angle, which positions the knees and feet under the center of the pelvis
2. Evolution of spinal curves to balance the weight of the upper body
3. Development of an arch in the foot and a realignment of the big toe parallel to the other toes to transmit weight during the step phase of bipedal locomotion

In terms of behavioral explanations for its evolutionary advantage, two potential reasons are:

• Freeing the hands to carry tools, food, or offspring
• Increasing energy efficiency or thermoregulation by exposing more of the body's surface