FREE ESSAY ON BIPEDALISM

BIPEDALISM

Grant Kahler
Bipedalism
The evolution of bipedalism for the early hominids was merely an adaptation to the
newfound lifestyle that early man began to lead. No longer was the body adapting to
better climbing and life in the trees as this species was slowly becoming a hunting and
gathering population. One of the main reasons for this change is the conservation of
energy. As these hominids began to spend much of their day on foot in search for food,
this bipedal form of walking was adapted as it uses much less energy than the creatures
that walk on all fours. The mechanics of bipedal movement was simply a more energy
efficient act, but at the same time, this posture decreased the direct exposure to the
sun, keeping the individual cooler, and ultimately saving even more energy. Also, as an
advantage to hunting and gathering, hominids were now tall and could reach things and
have a better and taller view of the surroundings. This provided a huge advantage over
the predators of their time. Two additional advantages of bipedal locomotion is the
allowance of two limbs whose purpose was solely to carry or transport possessions.
Whether this is food or wood or whatever it may have been, hominids could now carry just
about anything for long distances. This freedom of the arms and hands also allowed an
easier and better solution to taking care of the young. All of these reasons show the
advantages of bipedalism.