The Evolution of Man

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However, regarding endurance (both muscular and cardiovascular), modern humans slightly take the trophy.

The problem is, both a gorilla and a Neanderthal have significantly larger lung volumes than humans do, and a human's lung size does not increase much proportionally to muscle or body mass.

On the other hand, though, modern humans (excluding power athletes) have a much higher propensity of slow-twitch type Ia muscle fibers for endurance than the two aforementioned species, thus greater muscular endurance. Cardiovascular endurance can only go so far, yet muscular endurance can last for hours on end, even with a smaller lung size.

This is why one can see some exclusive Native American and African tribes running down quick prey for hours straight, without tiring. We are either number one or two in the animal kingdom when it comes to endurance, assuming good-pacing, of course. Reply