Key Genetic and Developmental Changes Behind Human Bipedalism
The article explores the developmental genetic changes that led to the evolution of hominin bipedalism, focusing on two key innovations: a shift in iliac cartilage growth plate orientation and a delayed, altered pattern of iliac ossification. These changes facilitated the unique shape and function of the human pelvis, supporting upright walking, and are driven by polygenic regulatory modifications involving genes like SOX9, PTH1R, and RUNX2, with evidence of human-specific evolutionary signals in these regions.