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The footprints at Laetoli are unique evidence of early hominid behavior. But they are just part of the fossil evidence that depicts the evolution of humans over time. In 1974, before the Laetoli footprints were discovered, paleontologist Don Johanson's team had discovered 40 percent of the complete skeleton of Lucy, now known as Australopithecus afarensis. Lucy's skeleton was clearly different from other primates. Her knees were able to lock, her femur slanted inward and her large toe was in line with her other toes, allowing her to walk upright. The discovery of Lucy surprised paleontologists because although she was unquestionably bipedal, she was remarkably apelike -- with a brain about the size of a chimpanzee's.
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