About this Course
Have you ever wondered why humans walk on two legs rather than four? This Specialization explores how science investigates this unusual form of locomotion. We have developed a Specialization that explores how science investigates this unusual form of locomotion. We start our investigation by looking at the mechanics of upright walking in humans and comparing that to bipedal locomotion in large birds, bears, and apes. We journey back millions of years into the human fossil record in an effort to understand how and why upright walking evolved. Around our first birthday, each of us learned how to walk, but how does this happen? With bipedalism came costly trade-offs as well– in this course, we examine these aches and pains as byproducts of our evolutionary history
What You'll Learn
- Understand mechanics of upright walking in humans
- Compare bipedal locomotion among humans and other species
- Review fossil evidence of upright walking evolution
- Analyze health trade-offs related to bipedalism
Prerequisites
- Basic computer and internet skills
- Ability to read instructions in English and complete short exercises
Instructors
Jeremy DeSilva
Chair and Professor of Anthropology