人類学演習Ⅳ/人類学セミナー4
The recent evolutionary history of the human foot
Dr. Bernhard Zipfel（Evolutionary Studies Institute, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg）
2017年12月01日(金) 16:50-18:35 理学部2号館 323号室
Reconstructing the transition to bipedalism is a key to understanding early hominin evolution. Up until 2008, there were only four known relatively complete fossil foot assemblages, however, a number of significant fossil foot bones have subsequently been recovered, bringing the fossil foot record to roughly twelve significant specimens, representing the recent evolution of the foot. Some of the varying interpretations based on this material, together with changing theoretical insights and analytical approaches are reviewed here within the context of the biomechanics accommodating both arboreal and bipedal locomotion. An attempt to understand these adaptations, from facultative upright walking in pre-human hominins at 4.7 million years, to possible endurance running in the genus Homo at 2 million years, gives some insight into function and dysfunction. Furthermore, we have learned that some pathologies are not necessarily modern day afflictions whilst in contrast, some lifestyle related conditions are associated with contemporary lifestyles
