Little Foot and big thoughts-a re-evaluation of the Stw573 foot from Sterkfontein, South Africa

We also note that three broad patterns of modification have been identified, equating to proximal-distal lateral-medial (cranio-caudal) and dorsal-plantar (posterior-anterior). It has not escaped our notice that these patterns are each controlled by specific genes or growth factors; we thus see a morphometric expression of our developmental past.