Running 'key to human evolution'

Long-distance running may have been a driving force behind evolution of the
modern human body, scientists say.

American researchers said humans began endurance running about 2 million
years ago to help hunt for prey, influencing the development of the human
body.

Previous studies have suggested running was purely a by-product of walking.

But the study, published in Nature, said humans evolved big buttocks, a
balanced head and longer legs to help gather food.

Professor Dennis Bramble, of the University of Utah, and Professor Daniel
Lieberman, of Harvard University, reported that early human beings may have
needed to run long distances to help hunt prey or scavenge animal carcasses
on the African savannah.

Without the development from running, humans would be much more like apes
with shorter legs, smaller heads and a hunched posture, the scientists said.

Full Text at the BBC
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4021811.stm

Posted by
Robert Karl Stonjek
---
þ RIMEGate(tm)/RGXPost V1.14 at BBSWORLD * Info{at}bbsworld.com

---
 * RIMEGate(tm)V10.2áÿ* RelayNet(tm) NNTP Gateway * MoonDog BBS
 * RgateImp.MoonDog.BBS at 11/19/04 6:15:36 AM