1

Appearing next to a full-scale recreation of the famous "Lucy" skeleton (Australopithecus afarensis) in Tusher African Hall, this computer animation compares the distinctive gaits of a chimpanzee, A. afarensis, and modern human, highlighting the trait of upright walking that the latter two share.

Can you spot the similarities and differences amongst the skeletons?

Lucy and chimpanzees share:

  • elongated skull with small brain case
  • face and jaws that jut out from the brain case
  • shoulder blades and joints that are suited for climbing trees
  • long arms and hands with curved fingers

Lucy and modern humans share:

  • spine connection beneath the skull to keep the head steady
  • robust and broad basin-shaped pelvis to support the upper body and hold it upright
  • angled thigh bones that place the weight directly over strong knee joints
  • compact and arched feet that support the full body weight with each step

Share This

Science Video Vault

Our collection of educational videos will help your students visualize data and understand scientific concepts.