Balance and mass distribution of the head in bipeds
Lead Research Organisation:
University of York
Department Name: Archaeology
Abstract
The shift during human evolution from quadrupedal locomotion in a pronograde position to bipedalism in an upright, orthograde position is associated with
the fragmentation of wooded habitats. Standing and moving in an upright posture on two legs requires a number of adaptations to maintain balance of the
whole body against the ground and also the head atop the vertebral column with minimal energetic cost. Bipedal locomotion in mammals has
independently evolved within marsupials and rodents in addition to hominins (primates). This project will investigate the role of the redistribution of mass in
the head of bipeds to bring the centre of mass of the head closer to the vertebral axis of the body, and so aid in maintaining the balance of the head and
whole body when upright.
the fragmentation of wooded habitats. Standing and moving in an upright posture on two legs requires a number of adaptations to maintain balance of the
whole body against the ground and also the head atop the vertebral column with minimal energetic cost. Bipedal locomotion in mammals has
independently evolved within marsupials and rodents in addition to hominins (primates). This project will investigate the role of the redistribution of mass in
the head of bipeds to bring the centre of mass of the head closer to the vertebral axis of the body, and so aid in maintaining the balance of the head and
whole body when upright.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Samuel Cobb (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Kira Crabtree (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NE/S00713X/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2028 | |||
| 2887534 | Studentship | NE/S00713X/1 | 01/10/2023 | 30/03/2027 | Kira Crabtree |