Contour maps of the Ileret footprints were generated in ArcGIS and color-rendered for visualization. Using the length of the footprints, the researchers estimated the height of the three individuals represented in the two layers, as 169.3 cm, 168.8 cm, and 182.2 cm. Average stature for Homo erectus females is 160 cm, and for males is 180 cm; the other two hominid possibilities for the time range of 1.5 million years ago are Homo habilis, at an average of 115.5 cm tall, and Paranthropos boisei, averaging 130.5 cm. Based on the size, then, researchers conclude that the prints were made by H. erectus.
More on Ancient Feet and Shoes
Bennett, Matthew R., et al. 2009 Early Hominin Foot Morphology Based on 1.5-Million-Year-Old Footprints from Ileret, Kenya. Science 323:1197-1201.
