Skeletons
The given diagrams detail the skeletal structures of two distinct ancestors of modern humans.
Overall, though there are similarities in body structure and height, the two examples in question display overwhelming differences in their skeletal configurations with Australopithecus Afarensis delineating a generally larger, stouter frame with longer upper limbs and a wider torso, while Homo Erectus possessing a more streamlined and well-proportioned body.
As far as the upper body is concerned, the walker-and-tree-climber ancestors appear to have had, in general, a less well-proportioned structure with head unbalanced and snout longer than their walker-and-endurance-runner counterparts. Other features are more pronounced in size for Australopithecus, including a wider chest, a shorter and wider waist, and more extended forearms.
Similar patterns can be observed in the lower body as the legs of Australopithecus are broadly bulkier compared to those of Homo Erectus. This is detailed in the longer femoral neck and smaller joints in the hip, knees, and ankles for the former. In addition, there are also significant differences in the lower part of the leg below the shins, showing Australopithecus Afarensis with short Achilles tendon, small heelbone, and long toes, while these features are reversed for Homo Erectus. Finally, the foot arch shows signs of partiality for the walker & tree climbers, whereas stabilization for the walker & endurance runners.
Essay Breakdown
Structure:
Introduction:
[1] The given diagrams detail the skeletal structures of two distinct ancestors of modern humans.
[2] Overall, though there are similarities in body structure and height, the two examples in question display overwhelming differences in their skeletal configurations with Australopithecus Afarensis delineating a generally larger, stouter frame with longer upper limbs and a wider torso, while Homo Erectus possessing a more streamlined and well-proportioned body.
1. A topic sentence to show what the diagrams display
2. An overview sentence pointing out the most noticeable differences between
the two skeletal systems
Body:
Paragraph 1
[1] As far as the upper body is concerned, the walker-and-tree-climber ancestors appear to have had, in general, a less well-proportioned structure with head unbalanced and snout longer than their walker-and-endurance-runner counterparts. [2] Other features are more pronounced in size for Australopithecus, including a wider chest, a shorter and wider waist, and more extended forearms.
1. Generally compare the upper body
2. Be more specific by giving details
Paragraph 2
[1] Similar patterns can be observed in the lower body as the legs of Australopithecus are broadly bulkier compared to those of Homo Erectus. [2] This is detailed in the longer femoral neck and smaller joints in the hip, knees, and ankles for the former. [3] In addition, there are also significant differences in the lower part of the leg below the shins, showing Australopithecus Afarensis with short Achilles tendon, small heelbone, and long toes, while these features are reversed for Homo Erectus. [4] Finally, the foot arch shows signs of partiality for the walker & tree climbers, whereas stabilization for the walker & endurance runners..
1. Generally compare the lower body
2. Provide more details
Vocabulary:
The given diagrams detail the skeletal structures of two distinct ancestors of modern humans.
Overall, though there are similarities in body structure and height, the two examples in question display overwhelming differences in their skeletal configurations with Australopithecus Afarensis delineating a generally larger, stouter frame with longer upper limbs and a wider torso, while Homo Erectus possessing a more streamlined and well-proportioned body.
As far as the upper body is concerned, the walker-and-tree-climber ancestors appear to have had, in general, a less well-proportioned structure with head unbalanced and snout longer than their walker-and-endurance-runner counterparts. Other features are more pronounced in size for Australopithecus, including a wider chest, a shorter and wider waist, and more extended forearms.
Similar patterns can be observed in the lower body as the legs of Australopithecus are broadly bulkier compared to those of Homo Erectus. This is detailed in the longer femoral neck and smaller joints in the hip, knees, and ankles for the former. In addition, there are also significant differences in the lower part of the leg below the shins, showing Australopithecus Afarensis with short Achillestendon, small heelbone, and long toes, while these features are reversed for Homo Erectus. Finally, the foot arch shows signs of partiality for the walker & tree climbers, whereas stabilization for the walker & endurance runners.
Vocabulary Highlight
- stout (adj): rather fat
- limb (n): an arm or a leg
- torso (n): the main part of the body
- well-proportioned (adj): having parts that relate in size to other parts in the way that is described
- snout (n): a person’s nose
- bulky (adj): tall and heavy
- femoral neck (n): the part of the bone that connects the femoral shaft (runs from the hip to the knee) and femoral head (connects to the hip bone)
- shin (n): the front part of the leg below the knee
- Achilles tendon (n): the tendon that connects the muscles at the back of the lower part of the leg to the heel
Reading
Further reading about this topic can be found here:
https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/homo-erectus-a-bigger-smarter-97879043/
Listening
Further listening about this topic can be found here:
