U.S. researchers say evolutionary developments that distinguished humans from chimps also made humans good endurance runners. Anthropologists at Massachusetts' Harvard University and the University of Utah also said evolution of traits -- such as a small ridge at the base of our skulls, shoulders decoupled from our heads, an extensive series of springy tendons along the back of our legs and feet and well-defined buttocks -- helped humans run for long distances. "These esoteric anatomical features make humans surprisingly good runners. Over long distances, we can outrun our dogs and give many horses a good race," says Daniel Lieberman, professor of anthropology in Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences. "What these features and fossil facts appear to be telling us is that running evolved in order for our direct ancestors to compete with other carnivores for access to the protein needed to grow the big brains that we enjoy today," Lieberman said. Protein and fat derived from prey are excellent food for growing the bodies and brains of predators; Lieberman suggests running may have fueled growth of the human brain by relaxing constraints on human acquisition of protein and fat. The study is summarized in Thursday's edition of the journal Nature, © Copyright 2004 by United Press International

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---