Biomechanical trade-offs in the pelvic floor constrain the evolution of the human birth canal [Anthropology]

Compared with most other primates, humans are characterized by a tight fit between the maternal birth canal and the fetal head, leading to a relatively high risk of neonatal and maternal mortality and morbidities. Obstetric selection is thought to favor a spacious birth canal, whereas the source for opposing selection...
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Anthropology Biological Sciences Source Type: research