Final answer:
Bipedalism allowed Neanderthals to walk on two legs, freeing their hands for various tasks, improving energy efficiency, and aiding in thermoregulation. It involved significant anatomical changes, including the development of a broader pelvis and arched feet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bipedalism is a form of locomotion that allowed Neanderthals and other early hominins to walk on two legs. This anatomical adaptation provided numerous advantages such as freeing the hands for tool use, carrying objects, and facilitating the carrying of offspring. Energy efficiency was improved due to changes like a broader pelvis, longer legs, and arched feet, which facilitated a modern striding gait. Additionally, thermoregulation benefited from bipedalism, as standing upright exposed less body surface to the sun, aiding in maintaining body temperature. The angling of the femur, the evolution of spinal curves, and the alignment of the big toe enhanced balance and weight transmission, which are crucial for upright walking. While Neanderthals had a form of bipedalism, it notably included a different type of gait compared to modern humans, possibly due to differences such as having flat feet and being skilled tree climbers.