Photo showing the skeleton of an ape

“Why Do Knuckle-Walking African Apes Knuckle-Walk?”

Editor’s note: This event has been changed. Mano Singham, physicist and retired director of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education at Case Western Reserve University, will present “How We Finally Figured out the Age of the Earth.”

Walking on your knuckles is as odd as walking bipedally, a very peculiar way to get around. It doesn’t make sense, and it’s bothered anthropologists for years. Only chimpanzees and gorillas do it, and no one has come up with the reason why—until now.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have cracked the evolutionary mystery of why chimpanzees and gorillas walk on their knuckles. Join Scott Simpson, professor in the Department of Anatomy at School Medicine, at next month’s Science Café Cleveland to learn more.

Simpson will present “Why Do Knuckle-Walking African Apes Knuckle-Walk?” Monday, May 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Ave.).

Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. Limited menu options will be available for purchase.

A chairlift is available by request.

The Case Western Reserve University chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream and the Music Box Supper Club sponsor Science Café Cleveland.

Learn more about the event.