The Sex Walk: Bipedalism and Sexual Behavior

Student Illustrator: Brooke Rasavage

Student Author: Bianca Santos

Our understanding of how we became humans is dependent on our understanding of how we became bipedal. An ever-growing body of paleo-climatological evidence and the fossil record challenge the traditional savanna-based theory from 1925. In 1980, Owen Lovejoy suggested the Provisioning Model. His idea suggested not one, but a series of interconnected events enhanced each other and led to the uniqueness of hominids. The most debatable piece of his hypotheses is the sexual element. His model accounts for the nuclear family, hidden estrus, epigamic factors, and monogamy, none of which leave marks on the fossil record. This study presents a review of the provisioning model incorporating new research and combining theories. It suggests that Lovejoy’s Provisioning Model has been standing the test of time, and it might be the best explanation for bipedalism available.

This is part of the Annual Poster Session, a collaboration between the Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Department and the Media Arts and Technologies Department, featuring work by social science and illustration students.