William Atkins
Saturday, 28 February 2009 23:19
Science -
Biology
Page 2 of 4
During their excavations between 2006 and 2008, the scientists found these footprints in two sedimentary soil layers, about five meters apart in depth, which were scientifically dated to have been from a period of 1.51 to 1.53 million years ago.
They state that is discovery provides
“… the oldest evidence of an essentially modern human–like foot anatomy, with a relatively adducted hallux, medial longitudinal arch, and medial weight transfer before push-off.” [Abstract]
And,
“The size of the Ileret footprints is consistent with stature and body mass estimates for Homo ergaster/erectus, and these prints are also morphologically distinct from the 3.75-million-year-old footprints at Laetoli, Tanzania.” [Abstract]
The CNN article adds,
"In these specimens, the big toe is parallel to the other toes, unlike that of apes where it is separated in a grasping configuration useful in the trees. The footprints show a pronounced human-like arch and short toes, typically associated with an upright bipedal stance.”
And,
“The size, spacing and depth of the impressions were the basis of estimates of weight, stride and gait, all found to be within the range of modern humans." [CNN]
They conclude,
“The Ileret prints show that by 1.5 Ma, hominins had evolved an essentially modern human foot function and style of bipedal locomotion.” [Abstract]
Page three adds further informtion on the research in Africa and the team's conclusions.
