New Study Examines Early Hominin Sahelanthropus for Signs of Bipedalism

Recent research has focused on the locomotion of Sahelanthropus tchadensis, an early hominin species from central Africa, to evaluate its potential for upright walking based on new fossil analysis.

Sahelanthropus tchadensis was first identified in Chad in the early 2000s by a team from the University of Poitiers. The species is estimated to have lived around 7 million years ago, making it one of the earliest known hominins. Fossil discoveries from this period are limited, which has contributed to ongoing scientific discussion regarding its movement and posture.

A study published in Science Advances in 2026 examined the femur and ulnae of Sahelanthropus, identifying features consistent with bipedal locomotion. The research team, led by Scott Williams of New York University with collaborators from several institutions, analyzed anatomical structures that may indicate upright walking. These findings add new data to the debate on early hominin evolution.

The study highlighted the presence of a femoral tubercle, an anatomical point for ligament attachment previously documented only in bipedal hominins. Additional observations included femoral antetorsion within the hominin range and gluteal muscle anatomy similar to that of early hominins. The researchers also noted that Sahelanthropus had a relatively long femur in comparison to its ulna, a trait more aligned with Australopithecus than with modern apes.

What the numbers show

• Sahelanthropus tchadensis lived approximately 7 million years ago
• The new anatomical study was published in 2026
• Sahelanthropus was first discovered in Chad in the early 2000s

Despite these findings, the scientific community has not reached consensus regarding the interpretation of the fossil evidence. Some researchers, including those from the Max Planck Institute, have stated that the femur material is either weak or damaged, which they argue may limit its value for determining bipedalism. This skepticism reflects broader uncertainties due to the fragmentary nature of the available fossils.

The debate over the locomotion of Sahelanthropus has persisted for years, largely because postcranial remains are scarce and often incomplete. The limited fossil record makes it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the movement and behavior of this early hominin.

The 2026 study involved a multidisciplinary team, including scientists from New York University, University of Washington, Chaffey College, and University of Chicago. Their analysis was based on newly examined limb bones and compared anatomical features with those of other known hominins and apes.

Sahelanthropus tchadensis continues to be a focal point for research into early human evolution. As additional fossils are discovered and analyzed, further studies may provide more information about the locomotion and lifestyle of this ancient species.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.