ISTANBUL, TURKEY – In a remote village in Turkey, an extraordinary family known as the Ulas family has captured the attention of scientists around the world. The Ulas siblings, born with a unique trait of quadrupedalism, have puzzled experts for years with their bear crawl-style of movement, which defies the typical upright walking of modern adult humans.
First documented in a scientific paper in the early 2000s, the Ulas family’s anomaly sparked a debate among evolutionary psychologists. Professor Nicholas Humphrey from the London School of Economics (LSE) traveled to Turkey to meet with the family and study their fascinating condition further.
Of the 18 children born to the Ulas parents, only six inherited the trait of walking on all fours. This form of quadrupedalism has never been observed in modern adult humans, leading experts to delve deeper into the potential causes of this unique behavior. The Ulas family members display a thickening of the skin on the palms of their hands, resembling that of their feet – a characteristic that sets them apart from typical human anatomy.
As seen in the documentary produced by 60 Minutes Australia in 2018, Professor Humphrey expressed astonishment at the family’s ability to traverse the world on all fours, emphasizing the significant divergence from typical human locomotion. Despite ongoing research and investigations, the exact origin of the Ulas siblings’ peculiar walking style remains a mystery to this day.
Notably, the Ulas family’s form of quadrupedalism differs from that of chimpanzees and gorillas, as they support their weight on their palms while lifting their fingers off the ground. This distinctive method of movement has posed challenges for researchers attempting to understand the underlying mechanisms driving the Ulas family’s behavior.
Further exploration into the Ulas children’s condition revealed a specific form of brain damage that may contribute to their quadrupedalism. MRI scans showcased a shrunken section of the brain known as the cerebellar vermis in the affected siblings. However, the precise relationship between this brain abnormality and their unique walking style remains a subject of ongoing investigation.
Despite their physical differences, the Ulas family members exhibit remarkable agility in their fingers, enabling them to engage in intricate tasks such as crochet and embroidery. This dexterity hints at a potential link to the evolutionary past, suggesting that their ability to walk on all fours may offer insights into the early stages of human evolution and tool manipulation.
With the assistance of physiotherapists and specialized equipment, the Ulas children demonstrated an eagerness to walk upright, showcasing their resilience and determination to overcome physical challenges. Their journey towards walking on two legs serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, highlighting the remarkable capacity for adaptation and triumph over adversity.
In a world where genetic anomalies and evolutionary mysteries continue to perplex researchers, the Ulas family stands out as a unique case study, shedding light on the complexities of human evolution and adaptation. As scientists delve deeper into the origins of the Ulas siblings’ quadrupedalism, the family’s story offers a glimpse into the intricate interplay between genetics, behavior, and the human experience.