The pros and cons of humans walking upright

Mondo Science Updated on 2024-01-31

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Walking upright is a key sign of human evolution. Ever since humans started walking upright, we've been constantly adapting and changing this way of walking. However, walking upright also comes with some costs. This article will discuss the pros and cons of human walking upright.

The evolutionary history of humans walking upright can be traced back to the late Eocene, about 60 million years ago. At that time, Australopithecus began to walk on all fours, but their hind legs were still shorter than their front legs and could not support their body weight. Over time, Australopithecus gradually developed stronger hind legs and a more flexible spine, eventually being able to walk completely upright.

While walking upright brings many advantages to humans, it also comes with some costs. First, walking upright puts more stress on the human spine. This has led to many people developing spinal problems such as lumbar disc herniation and scoliosis.

Secondly, walking upright also puts more stress on the human hip joint. This has led to many people developing hip problems such as necrosis of the femoral head and hip arthritis. In addition, walking upright also puts more strain on the human knees. This has led to many people developing knee problems such as patellar dislocation and meniscus injury.

Walking upright has also accelerated the aging of human beings. Human bones and organs are more susceptible to wear and tear and aging due to the greater stress on the body caused by walking upright. As a result, humans are aging faster than other quadrupeds, and the quality of life and health of the elderly is also affected.

Although walking upright comes with some costs, it also offers many advantages for humans. First, walking upright allows us to make better use of the Earth's gravity. This allows us to access resources such as food and water more efficiently. Secondly, walking upright allows us to better observe our surroundings and better protect ourselves from danger. Finally, walking upright also allows us to better communicate and cooperate with other species.

Walking upright freed up hands for tools, hunting, gathering food, and performing other complex operations. This alteration of body structure greatly improves the ability of humans to survive and adapt to changes in their environment. In addition, walking upright also helps humans move more quickly when searching for food and escaping predators, reducing the time it takes to obtain resources.

Walking upright promotes social behavior and language development in humans. Walking upright allows humans to have more flexible postures and expressions, enhancing their social skills. At the same time, walking upright freed up the hands, allowing humans to create more complex linguistic symbols, and promoting the development of human language. Together, these factors contribute to the development of human societies and cultures, enabling humans to collaborate, exchange and pass on knowledge.

The pros and cons of walking upright are intertwined. While walking upright comes with some costs, it also offers many advantages for humans. We should strive to overcome the cost of walking upright and continue to use it to its advantage for the betterment of our lives.

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