Laetoli Assignment: Bipedalism/Foot Analysis

Steps to Complete this Lab:

1) See imagery needed in Module: “Laetoli Imagery”

2) Look at the footprints of Laetoli: Using the scale visible in the bottom corner:

-estimate: how far apart are the footprints?

-what does this tell you about the size of Australopithecus?

-analyze: the pressure points in the footprints: were they running or walking?

-how can you tell?

-experiment: with your foot wet, make a print on a piece of paper or the concrete.

-compare your footprint with the Laetoli prints. How is your similar, and how is it different?

-compare: Laetoli footprints with Pan paniscus

-is the hallux in a position more like your foot, or that of a chimpanzee?

3) Based on this labwork, what can you say about the locomotion of Australopithecines?