Australopithecus Afarensis’ Limited Running Speed Unveiled in 3D Simulation Study

In a study published in the journal Current Biology, researchers revealed that Australopithecus afarensis, an ancient hominin species, showed limited running ability. This tiny bipedal ancestor, which lived more than three million years ago, was able to run on two legs, but could not match the speed or efficiency of modern humans. According to reports, these results were achieved through advanced 3D simulations, providing insight into the muscular and skeletal adaptations that evolved in the human lineage.

Insights from 3D models

Researchers led by Carl Betts, an expert in evolutionary biomechanics at the University of Liverpool, used a 3D model of the famous “Lucy” skeleton, a nearly complete specimen of A. afarensis discovered in Ethiopia, according to the sources. Muscle mass estimates were extracted from modern apes and applied to fossil data. Through computer simulations, the team evaluated Lucy’s running abilities compared to those of a digital model of a modern human.

Analysis showed that Lucy was able to run, but her speed peaked at around five meters per second. In comparison, modern humans are in the model receipt At a speed of about eight meters per second. Reports attribute this discrepancy to Lucy’s anatomy, including her lack of an elongated Achilles tendon and other features important for running and endurance.

Energy efficiency and muscular adaptation

The study also explored energy expenditure during running by modifying a digital model of Lucy with modern, human-like ankle muscles. When these muscles were combined, the energy costs required for running became similar to those observed in animals of similar size. However, replacing these muscles with ape-like features resulted in a significant increase in energy requirements, highlighting the importance of muscle and tendon adaptations in the evolution of human endurance.

Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, commented to Nature that the study offers a comprehensive approach to understanding human evolution. The researchers plan to expand their research into fatigue and bone stress to further evaluate the physical limitations of A. afarensis in endurance activities.