The Evolution of Walking Upright Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

The Evolution of Walking Upright - Essay Example However, later scientific evidence clearly suggested that it may not be the case as evolution of walking upright has a history before the full human brain actually evolved. (Wheeler,62) It is critical to note that walking upright has not happened over the night and there were important physiological changes which occurred over the period of time. Available evidence suggests that there are important and critical differences between the physiology of the spines of apes and humans. It is this change especially in the physiology of spines of apes and humans which distinguishes them from each other. It was also this change which allowed humans to walk upright as compared to how apes walk. (Hunt) Physiology of Ape Scientific evidence suggests that early humans were either apes and evolved over the period of time to become humans or used some of the characteristics of apes. The early evidence that the humans actually used the ape like traits indicates that humans might have used four feet t o actually move from one place to another. However, as the time passed by, humans developed the ability to walk upright suggesting a change or transition in the physiology of apes to suit to the human needs. Some of the early evidence do suggests that the apes were bipedal in nature too however, their ability to walk on four feet was limited in nature. Apes cannot walk for longer distances on their two legs thus making it relatively impossible for them to use two legs for covering greater distances. This ability therefore was restricted due to the overall physiology of their spines and how it differed from that of the humans as evolution took place. Though the apes can still walk on two legs however, to become... This report approves that walking upright is considered as the primary and fundamental difference between humans and other animals. This tendency to walk upright however, has evolved over the period of time as humans are believes to be belonging to the same species as that of chimpanzees and gorillas. It is important to note that humans developed this tendency due to the changes in the physiology of their spines as spine of humans is relatively different from that of the spine of other animals. The human spine is relatively upright and supports its natural organs while at the same time supporting humans to walk easily. Human spine is joined with the head from the back whereas the spine of apes is joined from the back. The curve in the spines of apes allows them to carry weight however, restrict their movement. This essay makes a conclusion that one of the important theories of how humans developed the ability to walk upright is called Savannah theory. This theory suggests that humans developed this tendency because the climate change forced them to come down from trees. The global warming as well as cooling reduced the number of forests therefore humans have to come down the trees to survive. The author of the paper talks that this theory however, has been challenged by recent evidence which suggests that walking upright on two feet was made possible because of the difficulty faced by the humans to navigate the difficult terrain of East and South Africa. Further, walking upright conserves the energy thus allowing humans to walk longer distances with relative ease and less energy.