Lab Act 2: Human Feet are Strange Flashcards
One of the traits that distinguish humans from all other primates, including chimpanzees, is __.
- the way we walk
Chimpanzees are primarily __, which means that they walk on four limbs.
quadrupedal
Chimpanzees move with their hands turned under so that their knuckles make contact with the ground, which is why they are also described as __.
knuckle-walkers
Humans are __, meaning that we walk on two legs.
bipedal
classroom trackway: male and female’s foot similarities
● Male and female’s foot has identical size
● Both male and females arches are well-defined
● More weight was placed on the ball of the foot
● Both big toe pointed in the same direction as stride
classroom trackway: male and female’s foot differences
● Male’s stride is longer than female due to the height difference
● Left and right feet distance resulted a different measurement
Observations and Inferences from Laetoli Trackway:
How many individuals were walking?
- There were 2 pairs of footprints.
- Two individuals are walking since there are 2 sets of footprints present.
Observations and Inferences from Laetoli Trackway:
What were their relative sizes?
- One individual have a larger pair of footprints than the other
- The individual with a larger footprints must be an adult and the other must be a child (younger).
Observations and Inferences from Laetoli Trackway:
Were they walking together at the same time?
- The two individuals are walking in the same direction without crossing each other’s path
- Therefore, they are walking together at the same time.
The Laetoli footprints, likely made by __, were found in Tanzania in 1978 by Mary Leakey and Paul Abell.
- Australopithecus afarensis
Laetoli footprints, preserved in volcanic ash dating back __, provide insights into early human locomotion
3.6 million years
What is Ziljanthropus (East Africa Man)?
An ancient hominid species from East Africa, living around 1.76 million years ago, with a larger cranium and smaller face compared to modern chimps.
When did bipedality first emerge?
Bipedality emerged millions of years ago.
What are the distinguishing features of Lucy?
Lucy, scientifically known as Australopithecus afarensis, lived 3.2 million years ago in Ethiopia. She was bipedal, had a small brain, and lacked stone tool use.
What are the differences between the hip bones of chimpanzees and humans?
Chimpanzees have long hip bones behind, while humans have shorter and broader hip bones.
