In a remote village in Turkey, a family known as the Ulas family has captivated scientists due to their unique trait of walking on all fours. This anomaly in human behavior has sparked intrigue and debate within the scientific community for years. The family’s fascinating story was documented in a scientific paper in the early 2000s, focusing on five of the siblings who exhibited this bear crawl-style of movement.
Evolutionary psychologist Professor Nicholas Humphrey from the London School of Economics (LSE) took a particular interest in the Ulas family’s case, leading him to travel to Turkey to study them firsthand. With a staggering 18 children, only six of them displayed quadrupedalism, a behavior unseen in modern adult humans. Humphrey’s encounter with the Ulas family shed light on the complexities of their condition, raising questions about the nature and origins of their unique walking style.
Despite extensive research, experts remain divided on the precise cause of the Ulas siblings’ quadrupedalism. Some theories suggest genetic abnormalities, while others point to underlying brain damage as a contributing factor. The Ulas children’s distinct way of moving, using the palms of their hands instead of their knuckles like primates, has puzzled researchers and challenged existing beliefs about human evolution.
Humphrey’s exploration of the Ulas family’s condition has led to intriguing discoveries, including the role of brain damage and lack of childhood encouragement in their walking style. By providing the siblings with tools and support, Humphrey witnessed a remarkable transformation in their ability to walk upright, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. Through his work with the Ulas family, Humphrey gained a new perspective on human potential and the power of overcoming adversity.