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Archaeological
discoveries at Laetoli in Northern Tanzinia have revealed footprints
associated with a group of hominoids walking upright through volcanic dust
released by a nearby volcano. Erosion of the surface layers disclosed these
fossilized footprints and their configuration suggests that a group of three
hominoids was involved. The artists impression, based on the estimated weight
of the individuals, depicts a family group of two adults and an adolescent.
The footprints are estimated to be 3.6 million years old.
This upright
mode of locomotion encouraged the development of leg muscles able to provide
the short term- high power needed to escape from predators, and the ability
to sustain a lower power output for the long times needed for travel. |
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