Genus Homo Evolution

Humans use bipedal locomotion, yet there was a time in our ancestral history where a different mode of locomotion existed, which gives rise to the controversy introduced in this paper. Roughly 2.5 m.y.a. (million years ago), Homo habilis evolved from our closest ancestors, chimpanzees and gorillas giving us the first known genus Homo. Around 1.9 m.y.a., and approximately 600 thousand years following the evolution of Homo species, a differentiation in gait occurred where; according to some, Homo erectus began running to acquire prey. Over the next 1.9 million years, primate gaits became more diverse and gave rise to numerous anatomical variations that have led us to our current anatomical form. Today, there exists general agreement among biologists

Rather the authors suggest that early genus Homo acquired prey through scavenging carcasses found in areas of low competition. Even if carcasses were the main source of protein for early genus Homo, they still would have needed the ability to track carcasses through visual and auditory cues from other scavenging predators, such as vultures. Although early genus Homo might have acquired some of its prey by scavenging carcasses, it does not suggest that it was their only hunting

However, the majority of researchers cited in this current paper suggest that running did indeed evolve through PH. In contrast, it is important to consider alternative theories for ER in human evolution such as scavenging for carcasses, escaping predation or threatening inclement weather. Today, ER is used as a form of exercise and has introduced us to new controversy regarding the correct way to run. Based on observational evidence, the Hadza people evolved to use a MFS pattern when running at higher speeds, yet current footwear manufacturers are introducing humans to footwear that influences a RFS running pattern. The change to a RFS running pattern could lead an increase in running related injuries and can be corrected by reverting back to a MFS, just as humans evolved to