A scientific team has discovered a family in Turkey, the Ulas family, who walk on all fours like animals, possibly providing the missing link between man and ape. The scientists study the family to determine the reason for their condition, whether it be genetic or due to neglect, and work to encourage them to walk upright. The team discovers that the family's cerebellum is shrunken, but this does not explain their animal-like movements. German scientists believe the family's blood may hold the gene for walking erect, the essence of humanity. The team returns to Turkey months later to check on the family, finding that all but one member can now walk independently on their back legs. The family's existence raises questions about what it means to be human and the evolution of bipedalism.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. A family in a remote village in Turkey has been discovered.
2. This family walks on all fours, similar to how humans did four million years ago.
3. Their existence challenges the understanding of human evolution.
4. The family's discovery fascinated scientists and raised questions about human nature.
5. Humans walking upright on two legs is a defining characteristic.
6. The family's condition was initially thought to be a genetic problem.
7. Scientists conducted brain scans and genetic research to understand their condition.
8. The family faced social exclusion and hostility in their village.
9. The affected children never received proper intervention to help them walk upright.
10. A physiotherapist tried to encourage them to walk with parallel bars.
11. There were doubts about one of the family members, Hussein, ever walking upright.
12. Some of the affected children eventually started walking on their back legs.
13. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of human locomotion.
These are the key factual points from the text without including opinions or interpretations.