The Upright Ape: A New Origin of the Species

by Aaron G. Filler, MD, PhD
Figure 9-1 The Hominiform Features of the Lumbar Vertebra of Morotopithecus

The Moroto Vertebra

Figure 9-1 – The Moroto Vertebra

The lumbar vertebra of Morotopithecus bishopi has a shape and location the LTP (lumbar transverse process) (A), near the facet joint on the arch of the vertebra that is remarkably similar to a modern human (B) (CT scan). The absence of a styloid process (see figure 9-2) and the LTP attachment reaches above the pedicle and has the unusual human homology. The pedicle is very strong – as in humans – reflecting the need for force transmission from the LTP to the vertebral body.  These are key features of the anatomy of human upright posture and bipedalism.
Figure credit - From: Filler, A. G. (2007a). Homeotic evolution in the Mammalia: Diversification of therian axial seriation and the morphogenetic basis of human origins. (forthcoming).
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