Wichita State University Name: _______________________
ANTH 106 Fall 2020 Tuesday/Thursday
Instructor: Buchanan-Burke
LAB # 10 & 11 – Evolution of Human Locomotion and The Genus Homo
OBJECTIVES:
Be familiar with some of the skeletal adaptations for bipedalism
Compare the skeletal characters of early humans with modern humans
Conduct a demonstration to appreciate the efficiency of human bipedalism
Discuss the morphological and behavioral characteristics of the genus Homo.
Understand the nuances of punctuated equilibrium and gradualism
Understand the variability primates and the variability of sexual dimorphism
KEY TERMS: locomotion, bipedalism, obligate bipedalism, facultative bipedalism,
Australopithecus, sciatic notch, sacroiliac joint, acetabulum, pubic symphysis, iliac blade,
foramen magnum
Morphology, sagittal crest, postorbital constriction, prognathism
SECTION 1: The Morphology of Bipedalism: The Pelvis
The human postcranial skeleton shows a number of adaptations for bipedal locomotion. All
hominoids also have a number of postcranial adaptations that reflect facultative or obligate
bipedalism. A facultative biped is an animal that can walk on two legs only for a short period of
time. Obligate bipedalism is the habitual method of walking on two legs.
The pelvis can be thought of as the center of locomotion for the lower appendages. The pelvic
girdle supports the weight of the body while simultaneously anchoring the lower appendages
during movement. Therefore, differences in forms of locomotion between primates are most
exemplified through changes in the pelvis. Observe the following figure showing differences
between the pelves between chimpanzees, australopithecines, and humans. For further reference
between chimpanzees and humans navigate to the following link.
http://eskeletons.org/compant
This study source was downloaded by 100000850872992 from CourseHero.com on 04-08-2023 16:15:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/146606785/LAB-10-11-Evolution-of-Human-Locomotion-and-The-Genus-Homodocx/
, 1.1 (5 pts) Describe the differences between the overall shape chimpanzee, Australopithecine,
and Homo pelves.
1.2 (5 pts) Describe the differences in shape between chimpanzee, Australopithecine, and Homo
iliac blades.
1.3 (5 pts) Does the Australopithecine pelvis more closely resemble the human or the
chimpanzee pelves? What does this imply about the locomotion of Australopithecines?
This study source was downloaded by 100000850872992 from CourseHero.com on 04-08-2023 16:15:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/146606785/LAB-10-11-Evolution-of-Human-Locomotion-and-The-Genus-Homodocx/
ANTH 106 Fall 2020 Tuesday/Thursday
Instructor: Buchanan-Burke
LAB # 10 & 11 – Evolution of Human Locomotion and The Genus Homo
OBJECTIVES:
Be familiar with some of the skeletal adaptations for bipedalism
Compare the skeletal characters of early humans with modern humans
Conduct a demonstration to appreciate the efficiency of human bipedalism
Discuss the morphological and behavioral characteristics of the genus Homo.
Understand the nuances of punctuated equilibrium and gradualism
Understand the variability primates and the variability of sexual dimorphism
KEY TERMS: locomotion, bipedalism, obligate bipedalism, facultative bipedalism,
Australopithecus, sciatic notch, sacroiliac joint, acetabulum, pubic symphysis, iliac blade,
foramen magnum
Morphology, sagittal crest, postorbital constriction, prognathism
SECTION 1: The Morphology of Bipedalism: The Pelvis
The human postcranial skeleton shows a number of adaptations for bipedal locomotion. All
hominoids also have a number of postcranial adaptations that reflect facultative or obligate
bipedalism. A facultative biped is an animal that can walk on two legs only for a short period of
time. Obligate bipedalism is the habitual method of walking on two legs.
The pelvis can be thought of as the center of locomotion for the lower appendages. The pelvic
girdle supports the weight of the body while simultaneously anchoring the lower appendages
during movement. Therefore, differences in forms of locomotion between primates are most
exemplified through changes in the pelvis. Observe the following figure showing differences
between the pelves between chimpanzees, australopithecines, and humans. For further reference
between chimpanzees and humans navigate to the following link.
http://eskeletons.org/compant
This study source was downloaded by 100000850872992 from CourseHero.com on 04-08-2023 16:15:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/146606785/LAB-10-11-Evolution-of-Human-Locomotion-and-The-Genus-Homodocx/
, 1.1 (5 pts) Describe the differences between the overall shape chimpanzee, Australopithecine,
and Homo pelves.
1.2 (5 pts) Describe the differences in shape between chimpanzee, Australopithecine, and Homo
iliac blades.
1.3 (5 pts) Does the Australopithecine pelvis more closely resemble the human or the
chimpanzee pelves? What does this imply about the locomotion of Australopithecines?
This study source was downloaded by 100000850872992 from CourseHero.com on 04-08-2023 16:15:46 GMT -05:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/146606785/LAB-10-11-Evolution-of-Human-Locomotion-and-The-Genus-Homodocx/
