Evidence that humans evolved from a knuckle-walking ancestor
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to identify four skeletal features of the distal radius as elements of a morphological complex involved in stabilizing the wrist in extension during knuckle-walking. This research, based on fossils attributed to Australopithecus anamensis and Australopithecus afarensis, suggests that the behavioural/morphological complex connected with knuckle-walking is a synapomorphy of the African ape and human clade. This eliminates key morphological evidence connecting chimpanzees with gorillas to the exclusion of humans. The best characterization of pre-bipedal locomotion is probably as a repertoire made up of terrestrial knuckle-walking, arboreal climbing and occasional suspensory activities.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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From forelimbs to two legs
Article Abstract:
Two of the earliest fossil relatives of humans, Australopithecus afarensis and Australopithecus anamensis, have been found to show characteristics of the wrist that are found today only in the African apes. It is believed that these characteristics are linked with knuckle-walking. This research, based on a reanlysis of a number of well-known early hominid fossils, is relevant to the debate about the evolutionary history of modern humans, gorillas and chimpanzees. The researchers suggest that the knuckle-walking features of A. afarensis are non-functional retentions from the common ancestor of hominids and African apes.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Our newest oldest ancestor?
Article Abstract:
The claim of a six-million year old direct ancestor of humans is discussed with regard to the fossils found in Kenya.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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