1. Why did we end up bipedal?
Because of the way hominids were placing their weight when they walked and the erect body posture. The human mode of locomotion is most clearly shown in our striding gait, where weight is alternately placed on a single fully extended hind limb. This locomotion developed to a point where energy levels ae used to near peak efficiency.
2. What adaptations do modern humans have that allow them to be bipedal?
Foramen magnum is repositioned farther underneath the skull so that the head is more or less balanced on the spine. The spine has two curves, thoracic and lumbar which helped keep the weight centered on the pelvis. Also over time, our pelvis is shaped like a basin to support internal organs.
3. Compare how chimps and humans walk
For humans our limbs elongated and 20% of our height compromises in our thigh while chips only 11% does. For humans our arch in our feet allow us to absorb shock and add spring while we walk.
4.What are the advantages to walking bipedally?
Being bipedal gives us the advantage of being efficient. It's less weight on the knuckles and saves us energy. When walking on hard surfaces there's little muscle movement. Also walking up straight allows you to pick your head up and let's a person see more of what their surroundings are. Lastly freeing up your hands so you can carry more things, also it's making your hands useful for yourself and then you can reach things that would be out of reach if you were walking on all fours.
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