All families have their own quirks and habits, but one group of relatives has such a unique trait that scientists have branded them a total anomaly of the human species.
The Ulas family, discovered in a remote village in Turkey, has been the subject of evolutionary fascination for years due to their peculiar way of moving – walking on all fours. In the early 2000s, a scientific paper was published on five of the Ulas siblings, shedding light on this unusual phenomenon and sparking debates among experts about its cause.
Evolutionary psychologist Professor Nicholas Humphrey, from the London School of Economics (LSE), has been particularly intrigued by the Ulas family. In 2018, he traveled to Turkey to meet with them and further investigate their case.
The Ulas parents had a remarkable 18 children, but only six of them were born with the ability to walk on all fours, a characteristic never before seen in modern adult humans. This condition, known as quadrupedalism, has intrigued scientists who have yet to determine its precise cause. Some speculate that it may be caused by a genetic problem that has “undone” millions of years of evolution. However, Humphrey suggested that brain damage might be the underlying factor.
In the documentary “60 Minutes Australia,” Humphrey showcased MRI scans revealing that each affected Ulas sibling had a shrunken part of the brain called the cerebellar vermis. However, this alone does not account for their unique walking style. Humphrey also emphasized a key distinction between the Ulas family and their primate relatives, such as chimpanzees and gorillas. While these primates walk on their knuckles, the Ulas children distribute their weight on their wrists while lifting their fingers off the ground, protecting their fingers’ agility.
Humphrey proposed a hypothesis that the Ulas family’s walking style might resemble that of our early ancestors. By keeping their fingers nimble, our predecessors could manipulate tools, a crucial development for human evolution and intelligence. This theory suggests a transitional stage between arboreal movement and fully upright bipedalism.
Another possible explanation for the Ulas children’s quadrupedalism is their environment. Growing up in a Turkish village without access to local healthcare services, they likely lacked the support needed to transition from crawling as babies to walking upright. Humphrey provided them with a walking frame, and within hours, he witnessed an astonishing transformation. The children, who had never walked upright before, joyfully used the frame to walk across the room, effectively entering a world they never thought possible.
The Ulas family’s case raises intriguing questions about human evolution, genetics, and the plasticity of the human body and mind. It challenges our notions of what it means to be human and how our species has evolved uniquely. While the Ulas family’s condition remains an anomaly, their story reminds us of the remarkable adaptability and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity.
Looking ahead, the Ulas family’s case underscores the importance of studying genetic variations and brain development to gain a deeper understanding of human evolution. It also highlights the need for early intervention and support for individuals with unique physical or neurological conditions to ensure they can reach their full potential.
As we explore further into the realms of genetics and neuroscience, we may uncover more fascinating discoveries about the human species and our evolutionary journey. Understanding the intricacies of our genetic makeup and brain function will shed light on our past, present, and potential future as a species.
In conclusion, the Ulas family’s story fascinates and challenges us, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human evolution. It serves as a reminder that our scientific exploration of the human species is an ongoing journey, with countless mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
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The skin on the palms of their hands is as thick as it is on their feet
60 Minutes Australia
Family that Walks on All Fours – Full Documentary
www.youtube.com
Bars have been installed at the Ulas home to encourage the family members to walk upright
60 Minutes Australia