3.6 million years ago, hominids were already walking like us

You may complain when you need to walk a lot, but know that developing this skill was a big step in our evolution. By moving only with straight legs, erect trunk, and long strides, our ancestors have acquired the ability to use their hands for other tasks beyond the increased field of vision.

This posture was a major evolutionary differential, so much so that paleoanthropologists believe that the ability to walk preceded the enlargement of the brain, being an essential part of human evolution.

When did our ancestors start walking like us?

Fossilized footprints were found in 1976 in Tanzania. Paleoanthropologist Mary Leaky was responsible for the discovery, and they became known as Laetoli footprints. At 3.6 million years old, this was evidence that by this time our ancestors were already bipedal, the previously unknown fact was the hominid posture during this walk.

Through a study by Ph.D David Raichlen and paleoanthropologist Ph.D. Adam Gordon, Laetoli's footprints were compared to those of modern humans. Depth and shape have been replicated using computational features, making it possible to see the highest pressure points during brand printing.

After analysis, the scientists stated that Laetoli's footprints are much more similar to those made by modern men than those of monkeys, as the pressure points reflect an upright posture, as shown in the image above.

Although this conclusion is not accurate enough to determine what evolutionary stage these hominids were in, it was clear that they walked erect all the time, making long journeys possible because of their efficiency while traveling.

"The data suggest that at this time, in our evolutionary history, the advantage of having reduced energy expenditure while walking was great, " explained Raichlen. According to him, “this work suggests that 3.6 million years ago, changes in climate and habitat probably led to the need for hominids to walk further for food. Natural selection must have acted at this time, improving energy savings during locomotion and generating a displacement mechanics similar to the one we employ today. ”

Our bodies have evolved over millions of years to be very efficient at many points, and while new technologies make our lives a lot easier, in some cases we cannot avoid some natural impulses.

So it is no wonder there are so many people addicted to exercise, because it is in our DNA and dates back to the earliest times of our existence. Also, when you walk around enjoying those funniest memes, know that this skill has developed millions of years ago.