• Question: If we evolved from apes then why don't they have aposeable thumbs?

    Asked by loki514 to MarkF, Michael, Panos, Sarah on 24 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Sarah Burl

      Sarah Burl answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      All non-human primates including old world monkeys and great apes do have aposeable thumbs!

    • Photo: Panos Soultanas

      Panos Soultanas answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Loki514, I assume you mean opposable thumb. Is that right?

      Many apes also have opposable thumbs. They help with grip and in developing hand skills like writing and tool making. Not all monkeys have opposable thumbs but the great apes do.

    • Photo: Michael Loughlin

      Michael Loughlin answered on 24 Jun 2010:

      Almost all of them, do…its why they can grip so well and utilise tools ( although some birds also do that by gripping sticks in their mouths)
      and yes it is a huge step forwards in fine motor skills…able to affect your environment in very specific ways

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