The mysterious story of the Ulas family from Turkey, whose members walk on all fours

By Tychyna TetianaFeb 13, 2024 13:42 PMNews
Share:
The mysterious story of the Ulas family from Turkey, whose members walk on all fours
The Ulas family. Source: newsbytesapp.com

In a remote region of Turkey, nestled among fog-covered mountains, resides a family that has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. Their peculiar behavior raises questions about the nature of human evolution and piques the curiosity of travelers from around the globe.

The global fascination with the enigmatic behavior of the Ulas family began following the release of the documentary "The Family that Walks on All Fours" by Air Force in 2006, as reported by Newsbytesapp. The footage depicted their movement resembling a "bear crawl."

When did this unique characteristic emerge

Five siblings, consisting of four girls and one boy, were born with this distinctive trait. This phenomenon prompts speculation about the transition from walking on all fours to walking upright on two legs. The addition of a sixth family member displaying the same trait only adds to the mystery surrounding this phenomenon.

Bewilderment in the scientific community

Professor Humphrey, a distinguished academic from the London School of Economics (LSE), expressed the astonishment of the scientific community. He acknowledged that the notion of a potential regression of humanity to an animal-like state surprises even the most imaginative scientists. The professor underscored that our ability to stand erect is a crucial aspect that sets us apart from other living beings, profoundly influencing our self-perception within the animal kingdom.

An evolutionary conundrum

Apart from our unique development of language and cognitive abilities, our fundamental trait of bipedalism distinguishes us from other creatures in the animal kingdom. The peculiar behavior of the Ulas family challenges this distinction, prompting scientists to reassess the intricate evolutionary narrative of our past.

Their skeletons strikingly resembled those of apes

Scientists from the University of Liverpool have conducted an in-depth study of the family's anatomical features, providing a more detailed understanding of their surprising condition. The skeletons of the family members bear a remarkable resemblance to those of monkeys, prompting questions about the genetic basis and developmental factors influencing their unique locomotion. Additionally, shriveled brains were observed in the family members, further complicating the mystery.

Intervention by a physiotherapist

Despite the family's unique gait, modern medical advances have provided a ray of hope. A physiotherapist, utilizing specialized tools, undertook the task of assisting the family members in transitioning from walking on all fours to a more typical two-legged gait. Impressively, these efforts resulted in a significant improvement in their mobility, highlighting the remarkable adaptability of the human body.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
Aircraft parked on snowy runway under winter sky

Weather Warning Grounds Loganair Flights Across Scotland

Jan 11, 2026 16:20 PM
Passport control sign at a European airport

EES Expansion Triggers Calls to Ease Border Bottlenecks

Jan 10, 2026 03:37 AM

TAP Brings Portuguese Wine Culture On Board in 2026

Jan 10, 2026 02:32 AM

Limoges Airport Hosts Travel Showcase This January

Jan 10, 2026 01:37 AM
Etihad aircraft in flight against clear sky

Etihad Confirms First Direct Luxembourg–Abu Dhabi Route

Jan 10, 2026 00:24 AM
Qatar Airways Airbus aircraft climbing after take-off under clear sky

Qatar Airways Pushes Ahead with Starlink Rollout

Jan 9, 2026 23:51 PM
Emirates A380 taking off with engines visible

Emirates Expands Premium Economy on Key Routes

Jan 9, 2026 19:07 PM
Train approaching on suburban rail line viewed from inside carriage

Nationwide Rail Strike May Disrupt Rome Airport Links

Jan 9, 2026 18:04 PM
Aircraft on a snowy apron during winter weather disruption

Snowstorm Disrupts Flights as Europe Faces Winter Surge

Jan 9, 2026 17:32 PM

Tirana Adds Two New Summer Routes

Jan 9, 2026 04:04 AM

UK Introduces eVisa and ETA Requirements in Early 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:28 AM
Philadelphia Museum of Art with city skyline in the background

Edinburgh Gains Extra Transatlantic Flights for 2026

Jan 9, 2026 03:03 AM
Cityscape of Wrocław with historic buildings and river

Paris Flights Coming to Wrocław in April 2026

Jan 9, 2026 02:05 AM
Passengers queue inside an airport terminal

Air Travel in Italy Faces Disruption on 9 January Due to National Strikes

Jan 9, 2026 01:18 AM
Beach with sun loungers, umbrellas and people swimming

Seasonal Nonstop Flights Open Fresh Options for European Holidaymakers

Jan 9, 2026 00:38 AM

Soldiers Deployed at Lisbon Airport After EU Finds Serious Border Control Failures

Jan 8, 2026 21:20 PM

Snow and Ice Keep Schiphol Flight Schedules Unstable

Jan 8, 2026 09:38 AM
Crowd holding Italian flags during a national strike.

Italy Prepares for Flight Delays as National Aviation Strike Set for 9 January

Jan 8, 2026 04:37 AM
Lufthansa aircraft on the apron during ground operations

One Booking Reference Instead of Many: Lufthansa Moves Towards Unified Travel Records

Jan 8, 2026 03:38 AM
Snow-covered airport apron during cold weather operations

Limoges Airport Disruption Continues After De-Icing Equipment Failure

Jan 8, 2026 02:08 AM
Ski lift operating above alpine mountain valley

Winter Ski Escapes Within Easy Reach of Europe’s Major Airports

Jan 8, 2026 01:30 AM
Air New Zealand aircraft on runway during daytime

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM
American Airlines aircraft operating scheduled passenger flight

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM
Wizz Air aircraft operating a scheduled European flight

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM