Running Extra Mile Sets the Human Apart

While slogging my way to Bondi beach yesterday in the annual city to surf amongst the world-record 80,000 strong throng I was reminded of this article on how the ability to run long-distance had a big influence on the development of the human form and brain. At least it helped keep my mind off the pain…

Endurance running, unique to humans among primates and uncommon in all mammals other than dogs, horses and hyenas, apparently evolved at least two million years ago and probably let human ancestors hunt and scavenge over great distances. That was probably decisive in the pursuit of high-protein food for development of large brains.



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