Question

Give two examples of the evolutionary benefits bipedalism provided to our early hominin ancestors. Also, give two examples of the evolutionary costs of bipedalism that are still encountered by humans today

Answer 1

examples of evolutionary benefits provided to hominin ancestors:

Ex 1) Due to bipedalism, our ancestors found themselves in East Africa which is not a jungle.It allowed them  to walk and run and hunt in a flat environment without many trees. Also, it helped them evolve that let the head and brain grow larger, and upper body grow erect.

Ex 2) bipedalism led our hominin ancestors to be generalists as well as specialists with the hands being free to hold a baby or wield a club. With hands free, everything around could become a tool or could be made use of, such as, they could throw a pile of rocks, etc to ward off predators greatly extending their will beyond the limits of their physical bodies. Bipedalism allowed for endless tool applications while still maintaining balance.

examples of evolutionary costs of bipedalism encountered by humans today:

Ex 1)Bipedalism is a cause for potential back injuries, such as  slipped disks and arthritis, as walking upright, lifting heavy objects, and carrying heavy items put a substantial amount of strain on the lower back.

Ex 2)Bipedalism is a leading cause of Varicose vein because the circulatory system has to move blood from the legs to the heart. In some cases, the valves in the veins of the legs break down and blood pools, causing the veins to bulge.