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The relationship between body dimensions and locomotion in human and other hominins
Fedrová, Johana ; Struška, Michal (advisor) ; Vážná, Anna (referee)
We work with estimates of body weights and dimensions of hominins derived from fossil finds. The reliability of the estimate is important for calculations related to thermoregulation and energetics of the individual. The termoregulation of individual is influenced by number of factors including breathing type, sweating ability, body hair, type of locomotion, size of limbs to size of body ratio. Hair loss allows for greater heat loss. The ability to sweat and thermoregulate in hominins is more important for running than for walking. Heat loss is influenced by the trunk breath and the distal limb element lenght. Body shape in the current human population conforms to Allen's rule. Populations living closer to the equator show smaller bi-iliac width and longer limbs relative to body size. This trend can be observed in hominins. The cost of locomotion, the cost needed to travel a given distance in a given time, is affected by the lower limb lenght. Longer lower limbs reduce this cost, they allow to cover the distance using fewer steps. Each step is more costly because more muscle power is needed to move the longer limb. The step lenght and the optimal movement speed of the individual is proportional to the individual's stature. Man excels in the ability of bipedal locomotion, which Australopithecus...
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