Stone Tools Influenced Hand Evolution in Human Ancestors

[Tank]

Stone Tools Influenced Hand Evolution in Human Ancestors, Anthropologists Say

ScienceDaily (Mar. 8, 2011) â€" New research from anthropologists at the University of Kent has confirmed Charles Darwin's speculation that the evolution of unique features in the human hand was influenced by increased tool use in our ancestors.

Research over the last century has certainly confirmed the existence of a suite of features in the bones and musculature of the human hand and wrist associated with specific gripping and manipulatory capabilities that are different from those of other extant great apes. These features have fuelled suggestions that, at some point since humans split from the last common ancestor of living apes, the human hand evolved away from features adapted for locomotion toward alternative functions...

See where playing with tools gets you! Tim 'The tool man' Taylor would be proud  

[Will]

But seriously, it makes a lot of sense that in the hundreds of thousands of years we've used tools, those most suited to using those tools would stand a better chance at surviving the crucible of natural selection.

[fester30]

I try to think about what tools would look like if we did not have opposable thumbs.  Instead of bar handles, perhaps they would all have handles in the shape of rings or something so we could get our fingers through.

[hismikeness]

I try to think about what tools would look like if we did not have opposable thumbs.  Instead of bar handles, perhaps they would all have handles in the shape of rings or something so we could get our fingers through.

I think tools (and weapons for that matter) would be used in more of a palm down and downward motion way as opposed to the tools we did use, which were attached to handles and sticks used from the top side of the fist in a downward motion.

[The Magic Pudding]

I try to think about what tools would look like if we did not have opposable thumbs.

Ye thumbs used to be useful but not much help when typing.  I mean there's two of them and all they can do is blob down on the space bar. I think they could do with another joint, jeez they can't even point very well.

[hismikeness]

I think they could do with another joint, jeez they can't even point very well.

Nope, but the pinky point seems to be gaining traction.

[Tank]

I try to think about what tools would look like if we did not have opposable thumbs.

Ye thumbs used to be useful but not much help when typing.  I mean there's two of them and all they can do is blob down on the space bar. I think they could do with another joint, jeez they can't even point very well.