Emily Chan
All around the globe, early humans tired out their prey by chasing after the animal for long distances.
Researchers think that this hunting practice was utilized more often than previously believed. They published a new study in the journal Nature Human Behavior, describing details that support the endurance pursuit hypothesis.
The endurance pursuit hypothesis is a theory about how human bodies evolved to run long distances to chase down prey.
The main arguments against the theory are that the strategy would be too taxing and that it is uncommon in modern-day hunting techniques.
To disprove these arguments, researchers examined ethnographic records and found nearly 400 cases in recent history that involve long-distance running while hunting.
Then, they used computer models to show how running was more efficient than walking when it came to pursuing prey. Their findings suggest endurance running was a practical hunting strategy for prehistoric humans.
Humans can’t sprint at the high speeds of other predators, but we do have stamina on our side. We possess more slow-twitch muscle fibers that help with the ability to run long distances.
Additionally, humans are adept at avoiding overheating due to the amount of eccrine glands and bare-skinned areas that allow for sweating. The structure and length of human legs are also instrumental in our staying power.
These types of characteristics make endurance running a suitable strategy for foraging. By utilizing distance running, early humans could push prey to the point of overheating when the weather was hot.
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