The diagram demonstrates the arguments proposed in the endurance running hypothesis (ER), that endurance running may have influenced human evolution, caused numerous adaptations in human morphology, anatomy and physiology.
This diagram is a plain description of the hypothesis and does not provide any support nor criticism to the arguments.
It must be noted that the points listed are not facts, but hypothetical claims that require further scientific investigations to verify their accuracy, falsifiability, and relevance to human evolution.
The possible adaptations are grouped into color codes (according to reference 1): red = energetics, purple = skeletal strength, green/orange = stabilization (head/body), light blue = thermoregulation, medium blue = respiration.
Bramble DM, Lieberman DE (2004) Endurance running and the evolution of Homo. Nature 432 (7015): 345–352
Lieberman DE, Bramble DM, Raichlen DA, Shea JJ (2009) Brains, Brawn, and the Evolution of Human Endurance Running Capabilities. In Grine FE et al. (eds.) The First Humans: Origin and Early Evolution of the Genus Homo: 77–92. Springer
Carrier DR et al. (1984) The Energetic Paradox of Human Running and Hominid Evolution. Current Anthropology 25 (4): 483–495
Jablonski NG (2006) Skin: a natural history. University of California Press
to share – to copy, distribute and transmit the work
to remix – to adapt the work
Under the following conditions:
attribution – You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
share alike – If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you must distribute your contributions under the same or compatible license as the original.