Genetic Shifts and Bipedalism
Scientists have discovered two tiny genetic shifts that contributed to early humans' ability to walk upright.
These changes occurred in the human pelvis, which developed differently from our primate relatives, laying the foundation for bipedalism.
- One genetic change rotated the ilium, the bone where hands rest on the hips, by 90 degrees.
- This rotation reoriented the muscles attached to the pelvis, transforming a system for climbing and quadrupedal running into one for standing and walking on two legs.
Two small genetic changes reshaped the human pelvis, setting our early ancestors on the path to upright walking, scientists say.
Author's summary: Genetic shifts helped humans walk upright.