In the first of a series of four excerpts, all leading up to the publication of Through the Lens of Anthropology: An Introduction to Human Evolution and Culture by Robert J. Muckle and Laura Tubelle de González, we would like to venture into the world of biological anthropology for a look at bipedalism.
Through the Lens of Anthropology is an introductory four-field textbook with a fresh perspective, a lively narrative, and plenty of popular topics that are sure to engage students. The following excerpt is taken from Chapter 4: Human Biological Evolution. While we were tempted to highlight sections from this chapter such as “The Killer Ape Hypothesis” or the description of the newly discovered Homo naledi, we decided that walking upright is, in many ways, just as interesting. If you have ever wondered why and how humans began walking on two feet, this excerpt is worth a read.
We would also suggest listening to the following CBC Ideas episode on the anthropology of walking and bipedalism: Walking Matters, Part 1.
Note: If you are scheduled to teach an introductory anthropology course, please email requests@utphighereducation.com to request an examination copy of Through the Lens of Anthropology. This is a textbook that is interesting to read, manageable to teach, and that succeeds at igniting interest in anthropology as a discipline. We would be more than happy to give you the opportunity to review it for yourself!
