We have completed maintenance on DiscoverMagazine.com and action may be required on your account. Learn More

Chimpanzees Could Answer Why Humans Evolved to Walk Upright

Scientists are challenging the traditional theories on why humans evolved to walk upright. They say hominins walked on two legs while still in the trees.

By Sam Walters
Dec 16, 2022 6:00 PM
Chimpanzee
(Credit: Ondrej Prosicky/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Humans are unique in the way that we walk. And, as such, scientists are incredibly invested in understanding how and why our ancient ancestors acquired their strange, upright strut.

Among anthropologists, the traditional theory holds that the hominins tumbled from the treetops and transitioned to the open terrain between about 7 and 4 million years ago, becoming fully bipedal during that time.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.