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The Jerusalem Post

The Jerusalem Post

Lucy’s Achilles Heel: Why our ancient ancestor couldn't keep up

The Jerusalem Post
Summary
Nutrition label

88% Informative

Lucy , an early human ancestor who walked upright on two legs, had speed and energy efficiency limitations when it came to running.

Researchers at the University of Liverpool reconstructed Lucy 's skeletal and muscular anatomy.

Lucy 's maximum running speed was around 18 km /h ( approximately 11 mph ), inferior to the average sprinting speed of modern humans.

Running required Lucy 2.9 times more energy than it does a modern human, indicating low endurance.

The ability to run was central to the survival of our ancestors.

VR Score

94

Informative language

96

Neutral language

66

Article tone

semi-formal

Language

English

Language complexity

76

Offensive language

not offensive

Hate speech

not hateful

Attention-grabbing headline

not detected

Known propaganda techniques

not detected

Time-value

long-living

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