Overview
- The Science Advances study identifies a femoral tubercle on the thigh bone that anchors the iliofemoral ligament, a structure tied to upright posture and walking.
- Researchers also report femoral antetorsion and a hominin-like gluteal muscle configuration based on 3D modeling, features consistent with bipedal locomotion.
- Limb proportions show a relatively long femur compared with the ulna, aligning more with Australopithecus than with living apes and suggesting an evolutionary step toward upright walking.
- The work reexamines previously recovered limb fragments from Chad’s Djurab Desert using advanced 3D imaging and geometric morphometrics rather than describing new fossil finds.
- Reactions are mixed, with some experts persuaded and others calling the evidence weak due to fragmentary preservation, and renewed excavations in Chad are anticipated to test the claims.