Obstetrical dilemma
Obstetrical Dilemma
The Obstetrical Dilemma (pronounced: ob-stet-ri-kal di-lem-a) is a hypothesis in anthropology and evolutionary biology that explains the evolutionary trade-off between a pelvis size that is suitable for bipedal locomotion and one that is capable of safe childbirth.
Etymology
The term "Obstetrical Dilemma" is derived from the field of obstetrics, which is the branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth, and "dilemma", a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Explanation
The Obstetrical Dilemma suggests that the evolution of homo sapiens towards bipedalism necessitated a narrower pelvis, which in turn has led to difficulties and risks in childbirth due to the smaller birth canal. This is seen as a trade-off between the needs of bipedal locomotion and childbirth.
Related Terms
- Bipedalism: The ability to walk upright on two legs, a characteristic of humans and some other primates.
- Pelvis: The large bony structure near the base of the spine to which the hind limbs or legs are attached in humans and many other vertebrates.
- Childbirth: The process of delivering a baby and the placenta, amniotic sac, and umbilical cord from the uterus to the vagina to the outside world.
- Anthropology: The study of humans, past and present, that draws and builds upon knowledge from social and biological sciences, as well as the humanities and the natural sciences.
- Evolutionary Biology: The subfield of biology that studies the evolutionary processes that produced the diversity of life on Earth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Obstetrical dilemma
- Wikipedia's article - Obstetrical dilemma
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