Step by Step: The Evolution of Bipedalism

Bipedalism Lesson Overview

Overview: Evidence of bipedalism is one of the leading characteristics that separates fossil hominins from other fossil primates. Anthropologists are able to determine the morphological adaptations and environmental pressures associated with the evolution of bipedalism based on the morphology of fossil hominins. This lesson examines the significance, geological context and features associated with bipedalism. This lesson should be taught in conjunction with the "Genera Australopthecus and Parathropus" lesson. Students should have a basic understanding of osteology (i.e. skeletal anatomy).

Objectives:

• To understand the significance of identifying bipedal evidence within the fossil record.
• To become familiar with the morphological adaptations associated with bipedalism.
• To become familiar with the environmental and behavior pressures that may have affected bipedal locomotion.

Outline:

A. Bipedalism Overview
B. Anatomical Adaptations
C. Fossil and Geologic Evidence
D. Conclusion
E. Activity: Bipedalism Features Chart
F. Activity: Brain vs. Bipedalism
G. Review Questions
H. Answer Key
G. References

Strategy:

• You will identify the fossil evidence for the evolution of bipedalism.
• You will hypothesize about the evolutionary pressures affecting bipedal behavior.
• You will familiarize yourself with the adaptations necessary for habitual bipedalism.

Required Materials: Pen, pencil, digital calipers (or ruler), actual size cast of human cranium (if available), copies of attached sections B-G of this lesson.

Expected classroom hours: 2 1/2 hrs (Assigning reading as homework is recommended to decrease class time.)

Suggested Supplemental Lessons or Resources:

• On the Track of Prehistoric Humans (Coming Soon)
• Hominin Evolution: Genera Australopithecus and Parathropus (Coming Soon)
• eSkeletons, to familiarize skeletal anatomy
• Glossary from eLucy.org or eFossils.org