Mind & Matter Evolution of Bipedality, Human Pelvis, Muscle & Brain | Terence Capellini | 258
Oct 15, 2025
Terence Capellini, a Harvard evolutionary biology professor, dives deep into the astonishing evolution of bipedalism in humans. He discusses how environmental shifts, like shrinking forests, pushed early hominins to walk upright around 3.5 million years ago. Capellini reveals the vital anatomical changes to the pelvis and limbs that supported this, along with the complex genetic mechanisms, emphasizing the role of numerous small-effect changes rather than single genes. He also connects these evolutionary processes to the development of larger brains and endurance running capabilities.
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Lab Uses Genomes, Cells, And Mice
- Terence Capellini describes his lab's multifaceted approach linking genomes to the skeleton via functional genomics and mouse models.
- He emphasizes changing models when new data contradicts prior hypotheses.
Integrate Multiple Data Types
- Terence Capellini links genotype to phenotype by combining comparative anatomy, functional genomics, and lab experiments.
- He argues multi-source data are essential to build robust evolutionary models rather than relying on sequences alone.
Last Common Ancestor Is Debated
- The last common ancestor of humans and chimps likely resembled African apes but origins of bipedality remain debated.
- Capellini stresses both homology and possible convergence when reconstructing locomotor evolution.