Tag: Bipedalism

According to the Global Burden of Disease study, back pain is the largest contributor to disability worldwide, a consequence of the upright posture. So, what are some disadvantages to walking upright, beyond just a sore back? Our evolutionary history reveals significant physiological trade-offs that continue to affect modern human health.

Over six million years ago, our early ancestors began the journey toward walking upright, a single step that would fundamentally change the course of human evolution. The decision to become bipeds offered numerous advantages that shaped not only our physical bodies but also our cognitive and social development.

The human body is a marvel of evolutionary design, and a lesser-discussed feature, the intergluteal cleft, is no exception. In fact, our unique anatomy is crucial for our most fundamental movements. So, what is the purpose of a bum crack, and what does the science say about its evolutionary development?