hand dexterity

Question 1

why did human hands evolve?

Answer 1

to support precision grip and manipulation grip

Question 2

are apes capable of bipedal locomotion?

Answer 2

they are capable of bipedal locomotion. However, their primary locomotion is “knuckle” walking, meaning their hands are not free during locomotion. This means that ape hands are adapted to aid in locomotion rather than manipulating objects

Question 3

how are apes able to live a brachiation lifestyle?

Answer 3

they have curved phalanges, which makes the handling of small objects difficult

Question 4

what are the features of the ape thumb?

Answer 4

fully opposable, (capable of facing and touching the other digits on the same hand)

Question 5

what are the features of the human thumb

Answer 5

it has greater opposability. They also have a saddle joint, which allows the thumb to touch the fingertips enabling precision grip

Question 6

why do hominins have greater dexterity?

Answer 6

they have straight phalanges rather than curved