Discuss the below in detail:
Q1. Bipedalism is the defining characteristic of the hominin order described in our textbook. First, describe at least three of the features of bipedal adapted anatomy. Second, explore what is known about the origins of early hominid bipedalism by answering the following: What is the traditional explanation for the development of the bipedal locomotion adaptation in hominids. How do the following fossils support or challenge this explanation?
"Lucy" Australopithecus afarensis
"Ardi" Ardipithecus ramidus
Third, explain why endurance running may be an important adaptation for later hominid species such as Homo erectus. What adaptations are necessary for hominin endurance running to be possible? According to some scholars cited in our textbook, when and why did endurance running develop?
Q2. Describe the two major theories explaining the emergence of Homo sapiens and the distribution of archaic Homo sapien fossils. How are these theories related to two speciation models: punctuated equilibrium and gradualism? What evidence supports each theory? What alternative theories have been offered? How does Homo neanderthalensis fit into these models?
Finally, describe something you thought was interesting about both Neandertal cultural practices and Paleolithic cultural practices (of anatomically modern humans).