ANTHROP 1AA3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Hominini, Thermoregulation, Archaic Humans
10 Jun 2016
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Document Summary
Australopithecus: genus that includes bipedal hominins who lived in east. Most crucial development of hominin evolution = development of bipedalism. Other important physical changes did not occur until 2 million years after bipedalism changes include: expansion of the brain, modification of female pelvis, reduction of face, teeth, and jaws. Bipedalism: we do not know whether it developed quickly or gradually, bipedal hominins emerged first in africa, many theories about emergence of bipedalism in humans: Adaptive response to life amid tall grasses in savannahs easier to see predators and prey inadequate theory. May have been an adaptation that allowed for better thermoregulation in increasingly hot and dry environments of. Allows the hands to be free while the legs are moving allows for food carrying, self feeding, tool-making, using tools as weapons, and increasing reproduction. More efficient for long-distance travel: consequences of bipedalism. Harder to overcome gravity to supply brain with sufficient blood. Weight of upper body puts stress on hips.
