This might just be one of the most fascinating families in the world.
In Turkey, a family has left scientists scratching their heads—and redefining what we know about evolution. Instead of walking upright, the Ulas family moves on all fours, using their palms to crawl like bears. Their unusual method of getting around has captivated researchers, sparked controversy, and even inspired a BBC documentary titled The Family That Walks on All Fours.
So, what’s the story behind this seemingly “impossible” phenomenon?
A Mystery That Defies Evolution
Professor Nicholas Humphrey, an evolutionary psychologist from the London School of Economics, discovered this unique trait in six of the family’s 18 children. For reasons still not fully understood, these individuals have embraced quadrupedal movement, a style of walking typically seen only in apes and other animals.
Humphrey shared his amazement in an interview on 60 Minutes Australia:
“I never imagined, even in the wildest scientific fantasy, that modern humans could revert to such a primal state.”
For humans, walking on two legs is a defining characteristic—it’s what sets us apart from other species. Humphrey called this family’s way of moving a profound crossing of boundaries, one that challenges our perception of what it means to be human.
Is It “Devolution”?
The 2006 documentary took the bold step of suggesting that the Ulas family might represent “devolution,” a reversal of millions of years of evolutionary progress. This theory, however, was met with harsh criticism. Humphrey himself dismissed it as both insulting and scientifically unfounded.
Still, the intrigue around this family’s unusual gait persisted. Researchers at Liverpool University analyzed the children and found something even more surprising—their skeletal structure bore more resemblance to apes than humans. They also had a smaller cerebellum, a rare condition that surprisingly didn’t affect their ability to walk upright.
A Link Between Humans and Apes?
Unlike apes, who walk on their knuckles, the Ulas family used their palms. Humphrey speculated that this might represent an intermediate step in human evolution—perhaps a glimpse of how our ancestors moved before becoming fully bipedal. He also suggested that the family’s development could have been hindered by environmental factors, such as a lack of encouragement to stand as infants.
Progress and Hope
The story doesn’t end there. With support from researchers, the children received physiotherapy and specialized equipment to help them walk upright. When Humphrey revisited the family years later, he was astonished by their progress. Their newfound mobility was a testament to the incredible adaptability of the human body.
This family’s journey isn’t just about walking; it’s a powerful reminder of how resilient and remarkable humans can be.
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