Re: AAT Theory

Phil Nicholls (pnich@globalone.net)
Sat, 11 Nov 1995 04:14:04 GMT

Troy Kelley <tkelley@hel4.brl.mil> graced us with the following words:

>>Why not take the predation during travel between trees as a selection
>>pressure to develop better bipedalism? May the better bipedalist win!
>>
>>Ben

>Because quadrapedalism is generally faster and more efficient than
>bipedialism. So really, why should one abandon quadrapedalism for a less
>efficient mode of transport, in a dangerous environment?

>Troy

Quadrapedalism is GENERALLY faster if you are already a well adapted
quadruped. Many arboreal primates cannot walk quadrupedally and are
forced to be bipeds when they are on the ground.

Historical constraints are more important in imparting direction to
evolutionary change than environmental ones.

Phil Nicholls pnich@globalone.net
"To ask a question you must first know most of the answer"
-Robert Sheckley