Hominins (the \"human\" branch of the Hominidae) emerged at the end of the Mioce
ID: 174517 • Letter: H
Question
Hominins (the "human" branch of the Hominidae) emerged at the end of the Miocene period (~5.3-7 MYA). Climate and habitat change may have been the strong factors that determine dramatic transformations in the way Hominins moved, and may have adapted to bipedalism. Some of the oldest Hominin fossils show characteristics that suggest that shift. Using what you learned in lecture, the textbook and at least one recent published article, discuss the evolution of bipedalism in Hominins. Provide and explain at least 1 figure as evidence that supports your argument. Key things to address: fossil record, Homo and other Hominin species, morphological characteristics, evidence and data.Explanation / Answer
The main point to drive home is that "bipedalism was a tool of adaptation for the hominins". Fossils found in Africa throw light on the shape of the skull, the position of the foramen magnum and the teeth. The shape of skull appears to be slightly rounded and thus shows the transition of the apes to humans. The ature of teeth, i.e the small and blunt canines brought about similairty between the apes and human. The most important clue was that of the place of the "foramen magnum", the hole at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes through the body. This was found in the oldest hominids called the Sahelanthropus tchadensis and proved that they stood up and walk bipedally. Another clue was the partial femur found in the species called Orrorin tugenensis. This clearly stated the bipedal locomotion had been adapted. The best fossil representation was the famous "Lucy" and another specie which provided ample fossil record evidence was Australopithecus afarensis.
A scientist named Dart, conducted research and found out similarities between the early hominids, the Australopithecus and the species of our genus H. habilis. The details that he found were:
1. Bowl Shaped pelvis for stabilisation of trunk for bipedal locomotion
2.The first toe was almost equal to all other toes.
3.Skull size similar to chimpanzees.
4. Body frames showed sexual dimorphism, 30 kg for females and 40 kg for males.
H. habilis evolved to become H. erectus and finally H. heidelbergensis came from whom we are evolved into being called Homo sapiens.
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