Russell Tuttle, scholar of human evolution, dies at 87
Russell Tuttle, a renowned scholar of human evolution and primatology, passed away at age 87. He is remembered for his groundbreaking research on hominid locomotion and his commitment to inclusivity and scientific truth during his long tenure at the University of Chicago.
Why it matters
Tuttle's work fundamentally changed the study of human evolution, making him a significant figure in the history of biological anthropology.
Remembered for his inclusivity and dedication to truth, Russell Tuttle, a preeminent scholar of hominid evolution, morphology, and function, died September 18 at age 87.
Tuttle’s paleoanthropological, anatomical, and primatological research fundamentally changed multiple fields in the study of human evolution. He explored the mechanics, functions, and anatomy of hominoid locomotion and grasping, was the first to use electromyography to analyze muscle function in primates, and conducted groundbreaking analysis of the famous Laetoli footprint in Tanzania. He was also a beloved professor of Anthropology, Evolutionary Biology, and History of Science and Medicine, spending six decades at the University of Chicago, and a firm believer in human potential.
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