ANATOMIC CHANGES OF THE HUMAN SKELETON AS A RESULT OF BIPEDALISM
Abstract:
As time passed by, natural selection gave
humans a set of heterogeneous features, which based on
certain behavioural modifications stimulated the
transformation of the human anatomy. Bipedalism is one
of the most important characteristics of humans, being the
first important change that occurred in our evolution,
which determined modifications in structure and function
of some of the organs, resulting in the actual
configuration. The most accepted theory about human
evolution acknowledges that standing on two limbs
generated a chain reaction of anatomy changes. The
adjustments of the axial skeleton due to the new posture
generated changes in the inferior limbs as well, which
needed to support the bodyweight. The result was a
transformation of the aspect, form and function, serving
posture and locomotion as well. The superior limbs were
now free, and able to execute precise actions coordinated
by the large brain. Evolution couldn't act precisely as an
engineer, on the contrary it accepted compromises, all the
new benefits were to be paid in time with imperfections
and functional weaknesses.
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