The Hindu : International : A unique human trait

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 19, 2004

International

International

A unique human trait

London: If asked to identify the single most important physical attribute that marks mankind from the beasts, the ability to run for long distances without falling over would probably trail last — long after an expanded brain, dexterous hands, the existence of childhood or even just standing upright. Yet, according to a report in Thursday's Nature, it is endurance running — as distinct from sprinting, walking or just standing up — that explains many of the peculiarities of the human frame. When we think of running, it is running fast over short distances. Few humans make good sprinters and even an Olympian cannot keep up the pace of a 100-metre dash for more than 15 seconds or so. Long-distance running, however, is a different game, and something humans are surprisingly good at. With a little training, we can maintain a steady pace for kilometres at a time and our speeds compare not too unfavourably with those of horses and dogs. One interesting idea comes from studying animals that also go in for endurance running — open country pursuit-predators and scavengers such as dogs and hyenas. A suitable frame for long-distance running emerged with the genus Homo around 2.5 million years ago, along with big brains, small guts and small teeth — all traits consistent with a carnivorous lifestyle and a diet rich in fats and proteins. Before we invented bows and arrows to bridge that gap, if we wanted to bring home that bacon, we had to run for it.

— © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2004

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

New nuclear missile system has no parallel: Russia

Allawi warns clerics against incitement

Pakistan sceptical, Iran denies 'nuclear claim'

History will judge us, says Chirac

E.U. Commission wins support

A unique human trait

Egypt protests Israel's conduct

A shot in the arm for Hamas

Suspect held

Manmohan remarks controversial: Kasuri

Google Scholar, with an Indian behind it