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Arboreality and bipedality in the Hadar hominids
Folia Primatologica; International Journal of Primatology
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Early hominids at Hadar exhibited traits for both tree climbing and ground bipedalism. New skeletal data supports arboreal adaptations and suggests their bipedalism differed from modern humans.
Area of Science:
- Paleoanthropology
- Primate Anatomy
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Hadar hominids display a mosaic of locomotor behaviors.
- Evidence suggests a combination of arboreal and terrestrial activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present new skeletal data on Hadar hominids.
- To further investigate arboreality and the nature of bipedalism in early hominids.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of phalangeal length and curvature.
- Morphological examination of the tarsus and metatarsophalangeal joints.
- Assessment of body proportions and functional anatomy of the hip, knee, and foot.
Main Results:
- New data strengthens the argument for arboreal adaptations in Hadar hominids.
- Limb and pedal proportions indicate bipedalism distinct from modern humans.
- Ecological context and primate models support arboreality in early australopithecines.
Conclusions:
- Hadar hominids were adapted for both arboreal and terrestrial locomotion.
- Their terrestrial bipedalism was different from that of modern humans.
- Arboreal adaptations likely persisted until the evolution of Homo erectus.