I have attempted to list all the major unique characteristics of our species that I can think of below. Of course I don't want the word 'unique' to be taken too literally! Ostriches are bipedal, lizards lack body fur, etc. But there is no doubt, reviewing the list below, that ours is a singular species.
The origins of most of these traits is unknown or, what amounts to the same thing, a matter of speculation. So the list represents, as I see it, the agenda for the science of human origins – how to explain the origination of all of these traits. And how far we are from doing so!
Here goes ...
Distinctive human characteristics (physical, behavioural, cultural):
I had intended to make an attempt at an explanation of some or all of these, but time and lack of material militated against that. However, if you have any valuable additional information – such as links to appropriate websites – email me and I will endeavour weave that information into this website.
Palaeoanthropologists tend to be obsessed with bipedality – walking upright on two legs. The reason is obvious – it seems one of the most basic of human characteristics; the adaptation that enables us to carry things, to walk the savannas and still use tools and weapons. And it seems that it is one of the earliest of our signature characteristics – perhaps dating back more than four million years.
But beware: there is always the possibility that other apes than our ancestors also developed bipedality – it is not necessarily a unique characteristic. And furthermore even bipedality, despite all the efforts to explain it, is shrouded in mystery, and all the putative reasons given below are still hot contenders.
Possible reasons for fully upright gait:
Interesting references:
James Q. Jacobs – Paleoanthropology – Bipedality
River Apes – Bipedal Wading Thesis
Not very complete, I'm afraid! If you have any further information (links, books, etc), please email me.
Copyright © 2004 Alan J. White; all rights reserved. Last updated January 2004.