The Evolution of the Primate Foot: Anatomy, Function, and Palaeontological Evidence

The human foot is a powerful non-grasping propulsive lever that is central to our evolution as adept bipedal walkers and runners. This book compiles and evaluates key research on the primate foot, including chapters on morphology and mechanics, locomotion, fossil evidence, and modern human foot pathology. It addresses three fundamental questions: what makes the human foot so different from other primates, how does the anatomy, biomechanics, and ecological context of the foot differ among primates, and how did foot anatomy and function change throughout primate and human evolution?

Format: Hardback
Length: 527 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The human foot is a remarkable and distinctive feature of our anatomy, setting us apart from most primates. While most primates possess grasping andprehensile feet, the human foot stands out as a powerful non-grasping propulsive lever that has played a crucial role in our evolution as proficient bipedal walkers and runners. It defines our lineage and distinguishes us from our primate counterparts.

Unfortunately, very few books have compiled and evaluated critical research on the primate foot, offering a comprehensive perspective on our current knowledge and the gaps that remain. This book serves as an indispensable companion to "The Evolution of the Primate Hand," also published in the Developments in Primatology series.

Chapters in this book are written by experts in the field of morphology and mechanics of the primate foot, exploring the role of the foot in various aspects of primate locomotion, including human bipedalism. The book also presents "hard evidence" of primate foot evolution, including fossil foot bones and fossil footprints, shedding light on the anatomical changes that have occurred throughout primate and human history.

Furthermore, the book delves into the relevance of our foot's evolutionary history to modern human foot pathology, emphasizing the connections between our past and present. By addressing three fundamental questions, this volume aims to provide a comprehensive review and scholarly discussion of the primate foot from multiple perspectives.

Firstly, it seeks to understand what makes the human foot so different from that of other primates. Secondly, it explores how the anatomy, biomechanics, and ecological context of the foot and foot use vary among primates, and why these differences exist. Lastly, it examines how foot anatomy and function changed throughout primate and human evolution, and why this evolutionary history holds significance in clinical contexts today.

This co-edited volume, relying on the insights of leading scholars in primate foot anatomy and evolution, offers a comprehensive and accessible overview of the primate foot for readers at different levels of inquiry. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student, a postdoctoral researcher, or an academic from a field outside of biological anthropology, this book provides valuable insights into the complex anatomy and evolutionary history of the human foot.

In conclusion, the human foot is a unique and defining characteristic of our anatomy, and this book serves as a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. By compiling and evaluating critical research on the primate foot, it provides a comprehensive perspective on our current knowledge and the gaps that remain. It serves as an essential companion to "The Evolution of the Primate Hand" and offers valuable insights into the anatomy, biomechanics, and evolutionary history of the human foot.

Weight: 969g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031064357
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022