First Steps

In addition to including analysis of late-breaking discoveries such as Homo naledi and Homo floresiensis to interrogate the evolutionary history and effects of upright walking, DeSilva brings unique research to the party, reaching back to pre-ape ancestors to more precisely delineate how we likely evolved differently than our other great ape cousins. This ends up setting it apart from other books in this area, and the review of the puzzle of the human pelvis was illuminating. Highly recommend

What a good book! Well sourced and scientifically accurate, it is also very accessible. DeSilva traces the history of bipedalism, including the interesting theory among some that the chimpanzees and great apes evolved into quadrupeds rather than that humans evolved from quadrupeds. He credits tool use, trade, language, and even empathy to upright walking. Since evolution is not perfect, there are also downsides to walking on two feet, like inguinal hernias, pinched nerves, sprained ankles and other injuries. But in the end, good and/or bad, walking upright is why we are homo sapiens.

HN article