Hominid Evolution

Structure of Jaw Bone in humans

Small & non-protruding, enabling skull to balance on vertebral column

Structure of vetrebral column in humans

Lumbar vertebrae wedge-shaped, producing S-shape curve that brings the vertebral column directly under centre of the skull

structure of face and jaw in humans compared to primates

Humans no prognathism - jaw is small and non-protruding, enavling skull to balance on vetebral column and flatter facial profile. Whereas great apes have prognathism - protruding jaw

Structure of pelvis in humans:

Broad; shallow from top to bottom. Provides support for abdominal organs. Attachment of femurs is wide apart, contributing to the carrying angle

compare foramen magnum in humans vs primates

primates have foramen magnum located towards the back of the skull, whereas it is located centrally in the base of the cranium in humans

what is bipedal locomotion

walking on 2 legs with body upright

features allowing for bipedal locomotion

erect posture and striding gait

define striding gait

walking upright in such a way that hip and knee are fully straightened

Advantages of Bipedalism

• It is a more energy efficient way of moving

• Leaves hands free to use tool

• Leaves hands free to carry items

• Upright stance achieves greater height & thus ability to see further

• upright stance menas less of the body is exposed to sunlight

• upright stance icnreases exposure to breezes, icnreasing cooling mechanisms