HoBIS" component - simulation of bipedal walking in Hominins (2019-2023)
The objective of this component on the simulation of bipedal walking in Hominins within the ANR Hominin BipedalismS: Exploration of bipedal gaits in Hominins thanks to Specimen-Specific Functional Morphology (ANR-18-CE27-0010 - dir: G. Berillon, UMR 7194 MNHN-CNRS-UPVD/Department of Man and Environment) is to understand the emergence and evolution of different bipedal gaits through simulations of walking in several hominin species. We will produce a large database on comparative anatomy and biomechanics of walking, develop a "specimen-specific" tool to reconstruct locomotion, and - based on these two products - reconstruct the locomotion of several fossil hominin species. The whole will be validated by articles in high impact generalist and specialized journals.
Bipedal Equilibrium" component - simulation of bipedal walking of Hominins (2023-2027)
The IRN "Biped Equilibrium: diversity, foundations, control and evolution. Multidisciplinary approach" will be directed by F. Marchal. In addition to the coordination role carried by ADES, BONES team members will be particularly involved in the paleo-obstetrics axis of the IRN (co-leader P. Frémondière) to question the setting up of human parturition based on simulations of virtual deliveries in fossil species. They will also be involved in a transversal workshop devoted to the epistemology of the concept of bipedalism. Through the facilitation of exchanges, the IRN aims to publish several articles and will serve as an incubator for the preparation of new national and/or European projects.
TURKANA" component - the contribution of the Lake Turkana Basin fossil record to the understanding of hominin evolution (2023-2027)
From field prospections to more theoretical aspects, our involvement in studies concerning the Lake Turkana Basin, which remains a major area of study of African hominins, naturally places BONES in a particularly dynamic international framework. The constitution of a primary database will allow us to analyze the contribution of the fossil record of this area to the understanding of hominin evolution (coord. F. Marchal in collaboration with UMR 7194 and the University of Austin in the USA). One of the stakes is to contribute to the creation of a database dedicated to all East African hominins. This project will also be reinforced by the resumption of archaeological missions in the Fejej region, Ethiopia (coord. A. Echassoux, IPH). Finally, the results of the 2000 missions will be taken up and published during the next five-year contract.