Scientists examined footprints found in the Laetoli region, which is known for many ancient footprints inscribed in volcanic ash. They calculated the height of five individuals, possibly Afar Australopithecus, to be between 1.2 and 1.7 meters. They also calculated possible speeds of movement, which is about 0.8 meters per second (about 2.88 kilometers per hour).
To calculate the size of Laetolian hominins, the scientists used the partially preserved skeleton of another Afar australopithecine Lucy, estimated to be 1,106 meters tall. They also developed a method for estimating ancient hominin leg length from footprints based on experimental data. By calculating the length of the lower limbs and the average stride length of the individuals studied, they determined the speed at which the hominins were moving.
Source: Ferra
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