Human ancestor had 'modern' feet 3.7 million years ago, study says

[jpak]

http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15251635,00.html

Nearly four million years ago, our human relatives were very different from modern man. Australopithecus afarensis had a longer torso, a smaller brain and significantly stubbier legs - but we did have one thing in common: our feet.

After examining the ancient species' footprints using a new type of analysis, a team of British scientists concluded that the "human" gait emerged 3.7 million years ago. The study challenges previous research, which suggests that human-like walking did not develop in homonin species until nearly 2 million years later.

In the report, which was published online Wednesday by the Royal Society Journal Interface, scientists said the species presumed responsible for those tracks had feet that were strikingly similar to those of modern humans, and less like those belonging to chimpanzees or gorillas.

However, in the new study, these footprints were found in Laetoli, Tanzania, more than three decades ago, they have polarized the scientific community - pitting researchers who describe the footprints as "ape-like" against those who see in them the origins of modern bipedal motion.

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[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. These feet were made for walking

And that's just what I'll do.
One of these days these feet are gonna walk all over you.

[BlueJazz]

2. Those Scientists have been messing where they shouldn't be messing..

...and now someone else is getting all their best.

[drokhole]

3. Well, there's at least one big difference...

...the affect of shoes on our foot (and overall) health:


This picture was taken from a study published in 1905, in the American Journal of Orthopedic Surgery, showing the difference between a pair of feet of a native of the Philippines, who never wore shoes (Fig 1), and those of a Westerner, whose feet have been deformed by shoes (Fig 2/3).

This might even account for the found footprints seeming "ape-like":




For a great overview on the problems associated with modern footwear on our feet, I highly recommend this book:

The Barefoot Book: 50 Great Reasons to Kick Off Your Shoes
http://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Book-Great-Reasons-Shoes/dp/0897935543

[peace13]

4. Yoga toes! n/t