Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism from Coursera

This course will help you learn how fossils give us an insight into how the early members of our lineage walked bipedally. The four million years old bone of Australopithecus anamensis is the oldest undisputed evidence for bipedalism in our lineage. Similarly, Lucy’s, who was Australopithecus afarensis, fossil also helped scientists discover a lot about how bipedalism evolved over time. You will also explore bipedal variations in humans. From its earliest version to its modern form—how humans learned to walk, is an interesting story. Similarly how a human being learns to walk, from a toddler’s first footstep to an adult human being’s walk and its variations would also be discussed in this course. You will also understand that while bipedalism has its advantages, it has its adverse effects on humans too from a musculoskeletal point of view.

Every module of this course has been created with the intention of a “hands-on” learner experience, where you can play around with and learn from 3D renditions of different human and animal fossils. Through these exercises, you will read the shapes found in bones in order to analyze and reconstruct how a species moved.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Variations in Bipedalism

This module explores bipedal variations in humans and why different forms of bipedal walking may have evolved.

Module 2: Benefits of Being Bipedal

This module explores the benefits of bipedal locomotion. It also discusses how the early hominin species such as Homo erectus and Homo naledi used to walk.

Module 3: Walking Variation

This module provides an introduction to how children learn to walk and how that varies across cultures. This also talks about the difference between running and walking and the adaptations for running.

Module 4: The Costs of Bipedalism

This module explores the downsides of bipedalism and the anatomical trade-offs that result from our evolutionary history of upright walking.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines evolution of early hominin species in human lineage, including how bipedalism developed over time

Taught by Jeremy DeSilva, a respected expert in hominin evolution

Incorporates interactive 3D models of fossils, enabling learners to analyze and reconstruct how species moved

Provides thorough grounding in bipedalism in both human and animal locomotion

Suitable for intermediate learners in the fields of paleontology, anthropology, or evolutionary biology

May require supplemental reading or research for beginners or those without some background in evolutionary biology

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism with these activities:

Compile your prior knowledge of musculoskeletals

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Start by refreshing your knowledge of musculoskeletals before you start this course.

Browse courses on Musculoskeletal Anatomy

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Review your old notes and textbooks
Go over your old assignments, quizzes, and exams

Practice vocalizing names of human and animal species

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Familiarize yourself with the names of different human and animal species to prepare you for this course.

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Go through a series of flashcards with names of different species
Read through articles about different species and practice vocalizing their names

Create a timeline of human bipedalism

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Creating a timeline of human bipedalism will help you understand the evolutionary journey of our species.

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Research the different stages of human bipedalism
Create a timeline that includes the key dates and milestones
Present your timeline to your classmates

Five other activities

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Read 'The Walking Apes' by Peter Andrews

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of human bipedalism.

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Read the book and take notes
Write a summary of the book

Learn how to conduct 3D modeling of bones

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3D modeling of bones will help you delve deeper into the course materials.

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Watch tutorials on 3D modeling software
Practice creating 3D models of bones

Develop a research proposal on a topic related to bipedalism

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This project will challenge you to apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world problem.

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Identify a research question related to bipedalism
Develop a research proposal outlining your research plan

Organize your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Keeping your materials organized will help you stay on top of your studies.

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Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes
Organize them into a logical order

Volunteer to help other students learn about bipedalism

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Teaching others will help you reinforce your understanding of the course materials.

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Sign up to be a tutor or mentor
Help other students with their studies

Career center

Learners who complete Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Primatologist

Primatologists study primates, including humans. They observe primates in their natural habitats and study their behavior, anatomy, and genetics. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Primatologists by giving them a deeper understanding of primate evolution and how it has shaped our species. This could help them make new discoveries about our primate relatives.

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Paleoanthropologist

Paleoanthropologists study the evolution of humans and their ancestors. They use a variety of methods, including fossil analysis, DNA analysis, and archaeological excavation. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Paleoanthropologists by giving them a deeper understanding of human evolution and how it has shaped our species. This could help them make new discoveries about our past.

See salaries and explore the career path for Paleoanthropologist

Zoologist

Zoologists study animals, including their behavior, anatomy, and genetics. They work in a variety of settings, including zoos, aquariums, and research laboratories. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Zoologists by giving them a deeper understanding of animal evolution and how it has shaped different species. This could help them make new discoveries about the animal kingdom.

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Forensic Anthropologist

Forensic Anthropologists analyze human remains to help solve crimes. They can determine the age, sex, and race of a person from their bones. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Forensic Anthropologists by giving them a deeper understanding of human anatomy and how it changes over time. This could help them more accurately identify and analyze human remains.

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Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people recover from injuries and disabilities. They use a variety of techniques, including exercise, massage, and electrical stimulation. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Physical Therapists by giving them a deeper understanding of the human musculoskeletal system and how it works. This could help them develop more effective treatment plans for their patients.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking vital signs, administering medication, and providing wound care. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Registered Nurses by giving them a deeper understanding of the human body and how it works. This could help them provide better care to their patients.

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Veterinarian

Veterinarians diagnose and treat injuries and diseases in animals. They use a variety of methods, including physical examinations, laboratory tests, and surgery. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Veterinarians by giving them a deeper understanding of the animal body and how it works. This could help them make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans for their patients.

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Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. They use a variety of methods, including physical examinations, laboratory tests, and surgery. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Physicians by giving them a deeper understanding of the human body and how it works. This could help them make more accurate diagnoses and develop more effective treatment plans for their patients.

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Radiologist

Radiologists use imaging techniques to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. They use a variety of imaging techniques, including X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Radiologists by giving them a deeper understanding of the human body and how it works. This could help them more accurately interpret images and make more accurate diagnoses.

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Surgeon

Surgeons operate on patients to repair injuries and diseases. They use a variety of surgical techniques to remove tumors, repair damaged tissue, and perform other procedures. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Surgeons by giving them a deeper understanding of the human body and how it works. This could help them perform surgeries more safely and effectively.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They specialize in a particular field of study and share their knowledge with students. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Professors by giving them a deeper understanding of human evolution and how it has shaped our species. This could help them develop more engaging and informative courses for their students.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for the care and preservation of museum collections. They also develop and install exhibits. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Museum Curators by giving them a deeper understanding of the human story and how it can be told through museum exhibits. This could help them create more engaging and informative exhibits for visitors.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design and create devices and equipment used in medical treatment. They also develop artificial organs and limbs. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Biomedical Engineers by giving them a deeper understanding of the human musculoskeletal system. This could help them design devices and equipment that are more effective and comfortable for patients.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific information to the public. They write for a variety of publications, including magazines, newspapers, and websites. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Science Writers by giving them a deeper understanding of human evolution and how it has shaped our species. This could help them write more accurate and engaging articles for their readers.

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Historian

Historians study the past to help us understand the present. They use a variety of sources, including written documents, artifacts, and oral histories. A course like Experiments and Variations in Bipedalism could be helpful for Historians by giving them a deeper understanding of human evolution and how it has shaped our world. This could help them write more accurate and insightful histories.

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