Radiolab – Man Against Horse

Intro

In this episode of Radiolab, titled “Man Against Horse,” producer Matt Kelti and reporter Heather Radke explore a strange story of endurance, horses, and what it means to be human. Heather, a writer who wrote a book about the cultural history of the female butt, takes us on a journey to understand the evolution of the human body and its connection to physical activity. The episode also delves into the fascinating world of a race called Man Against Horse, where humans race against horses over 50 miles through the desert and up a mountain. Join us as we uncover the secrets of the human body and the incredible feats of endurance.

Main Takeaways

Theories on the Evolution of the Human Body

• Why do humans have butts? Heather Radke’s research explores the different theories behind the existence of human butts and their purpose in society.
• Research on pigs on a treadmill led to the discovery of the nucleoligament, which supports the head and neck during running. All mammals that have evolved as runners have a nucleoligament.
• Humans have a nuchal ligament, which is absent in many animals that don’t run as much. This ligament leaves a trace on the skull, indicating the significance of running in human evolution.
• Running was a key part of human evolution, contributing to our intelligence and cooperative nature. Humans developed adaptations such as shorter toes, arched feet, and the gluteus maximus muscle to become better runners.

The Role of Running in Human Evolution

• Humans used running as a hunting strategy, chasing animals for miles until they collapsed from exhaustion. This hunting method provided access to a large source of calories and nutrients, contributing to the increase in brain size.
• Early humans lived in groups and hunted in various habitats, including savannas. Running helped them overcome physical constraints and become successful hunters and gatherers.
• Contrary to popular belief, there were groups of people in history who hunted by running down animals over long distances. Running played a crucial role in human survival and evolution.

The Man Against Horse Race

• The Man Against Horse Race takes place annually in Prescott, Arizona, where humans race against horses over 50 miles through the desert and up a mountain.
• While some humans have beaten individual horses in the race, no human has ever outrun the fastest horse. The horses, evolved for running, are considered the best running beasts on the planet.
• The race organizers and participants see themselves as comrades against the course and against themselves, emphasizing the personal challenge and endurance.
• Nick Curry, a potential record-breaker, overcomes a fall and wins the race outright, beating the horse by over an hour and 15 minutes.

Summary

Evolution of the Human Body and Running

Heather Radke’s research on the cultural history of the female butt leads her to question the evolution of the human body and its connection to physical activity. The discovery of the nucleoligament, present in all mammals that have evolved as runners, highlights the significance of running in human evolution. Humans have adaptations such as the nuchal ligament, shorter toes, arched feet, and the gluteus maximus muscle that make them better at running. Running played a crucial role in human survival, allowing early humans to hunt, gather, and increase their brain size.

The Man Against Horse Race

The Man Against Horse Race is an annual event in Prescott, Arizona, where humans race against horses over 50 miles. While some humans have beaten individual horses, no human has ever outrun the fastest horse. The race emphasizes personal challenge and endurance, with participants seeing themselves as comrades against the course and against themselves. Nick Curry, a potential record-breaker, overcomes a fall and wins the race outright, showcasing the incredible feats of human endurance.

Conclusion

The story of “Man Against Horse” reveals the deep connection between the evolution of the human body and the role of running in human survival. Running has shaped our bodies and played a significant role in our intelligence and cooperative nature. The Man Against Horse Race showcases the incredible endurance capabilities of humans and the remarkable adaptations of horses. Whether it’s the evolution of our bodies or the thrill of a race, running is an integral part of who we are as humans.