What does it mean to be bipedal?
|
Among other primates, we are the only ones to consistently be walking upright. Any animal with a skeleton has features especially suited to the animal’s way of moving. Humans have large leg bones that support their weight; the bones of the spine form an S curve. By standing vertically that puts a lot of force and downward stress on the body. The S curve is what helps us support the stress. For example, the gorilla usually uses all four limbs and walk on its feet and on the knuckles of its hand, the gorilla can walk upright at certain times but the arch on its back is better suited for it to be walking on all four.
Our feet also have other adaptations suited for bipedal walking. Most of our feet have rounded heels, an arch at mid foot, and shorter toes than other primates. All these features allow us to balance and support body weight. Our legs are close together which allows our weight to be balanced over each foot as we walk. One important advantage of upright posture is that it frees our hands and arms which allow us to do something rather than carry our bodies around. |