Why did man develope bipedalism?

Question

theories will be much appreciated

Answer 1

Traveling long distances is much more energy efficient while walking bipedally.  Additionally, bipedality allowed for more specialized and nimble hands, since they didn't have to support weight any longer. You can also carry things for distances when you don't have to walk quadrupedally.

Answer 2

Standing upright makes it easier to spot predators on the savannah. Also, one can carry more food in one's arms, and still be able to run. It was apparantly a positive trait, which was selected within populations, over time!

Answer 3

That is a question scientists argue and argue over. The most common theory is that it gives greater elevation of the eye over predators. Another theory is that it saves energy. For more on that theory, type this in http://www.livescience.com/animals/07071...

Answer 4

Man, so far as we know has always been bipedal.

Answer 5

If you do not want to entertain the idea that humans were created as bipedal beings, then you might want to reverse your question and ask How did species with bipedalism develop into humans?

Human beings have always been bipedal.  This is one of the traits of Homo sapiens sapiens, even back to the earliest specimens found.  The Omo-1 site has been dated to about 195,000 years ago.

But prior to 200,000 BCE, there is much evidence for both obligate and facultative bipedalism among hominids.

Homo habilis and Homo erectus had obligate bipedalism and habilis is believed to have made and used tools.

One of the best known examples is specimen AL-288-1, commonly called Lucy.  With about 40% of her skeleton being found, there seems to be no doubt that she walked on two legs.  A member of Australopithecus afarensis, she is dated to about 3.2 million years old.

Specimen KP-271 identified as as Australopithecus anamensis (a human like hominid) showed evidence of bipedalism and has been dated to about 4.0 million years old.

Perhaps older species started with rising on their hind legs to get a better view (like a prairie dog or a meerkat) and later used a squatting position in order to better manipulate one or more objects (like a rat, raccoon or beaver).

Standing on hind legs also gave another advantage.  The being could now use its forelegs (arms) in a fight (like a bear uses it's claws).  With hands, however, it could now hold a weapon.  Is it a coincidence that a human holding a weapon is said to be armed?

The development of bipedalism seems to have been linked to the increase cranial size in hominids.  This is not true for other mammals.