Ape-Move Lab
University of Chicago
PI: Zewdi Tsegai
Ape Evolutionary Morphology and Movement Lab
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Our research is focused on locomotor evolution in the human evolutionary tree. We explore the functional morphology of the human and ape skeleton and reconstruct locomotor and tool use behaviour of our fossil relatives, using analysis of skeletal morphology in combination with biomechanical studies.
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See below for more information about the research questions addressed by the lab.
Research Topics
How did fossil human ancestors move?
The human foot is unique in its adaptation to committed, terrestrial bipedalism. Our research explores bone morphology of the foot among extant apes, humans and fossil hominins. This research is exploring how human ancestors moved, whether they walked in a similar way to humans today and whether they climbed trees.
How does behaviour shape our skeleton?
The way we behave during life impacts the internal morphology of our skeleton, both our overall activity levels, as well as specific behaviours such as running, climbing and swimming. We are interested in understanding how behaviour influences the morphology of the skeleton and which factors other than behaviour may contribute to its structure. This research explores differences between humans and other apes, as well as among diverse human groups.
Skeletal changes during growth
During development the growing skeleton is adapting to changes in locomotion, increases in body size as well as calcium demands. Understanding how and why changes in the structure of the skeleton occur during growth allows us to better interpret the skeletal morphology of both adult and immature fossil hominins. My research has shown that apes differ from humans in how the internal trabecular structure of the skeleton changes during development.
How do joints move?
We have a rather limited understanding of the relationship between joint shape and movement. We are using X-Ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (X-ROMM) to explore how the bones of the foot move in primates. This will allow use to better understand the function of the skeleton and reconstruct locomotor behaviour in fossil human and ape relatives.
