Re: Are the "mosaic theories" completely vaccuous?

From: Jim McGinn (jimmcginn_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 11/22/04 

Date: 22 Nov 2004 10:49:22 -0800

"deowll" <deowll@bellsouth.net> wrote

> > As far as the physiologists can tell, ANY AND ALL
> > improvements for bipedality would NECESSARILY have
> > reduced brachiating and quadrupedal efficiency.
>
> So swinging from a tree by your arms is harmed by
> walking on your hind legs? Did you ever look at a
> gibbon? They are the best at brachiating and on the
> ground they are bipids.

Nevertheless, it's only reasonable to assume that
specialization for ground walking/running would
reduce specialization for brachiation. Moreover,
the increased size and weight of legs and torso
necessary to make an effective, vertically balanced,
bipedal ape would be a detriment to their ability to
swing through the trees by their arms.

Jim