One of the many unique things about humans is the structure of our hands. This structure gives us the ability to use tools and technology in a way other species cannot.
The modern human hand differs greatly from the hands of early hominids. For example, Australopithecines had hands that were similar to other primates, with long fingers and a grasping thumb (Bolton, 2003).
As hominids evolved and became bipedal, their hands underwent changes that made them better suited for tool use. For example, they developed a strong and precise opposable thumb and shorter fingers, which allow for a greater range of motion and a stronger grip. This structure allowed us to perform a wide range of tasks using both a precision and power grip. Precision grip is characterized by the use of the fingertips and is typically used for tasks like writing or tying a knot that require fine motor control. On the other hand, power grip uses the palm and is typically used for tasks that require greater force. This hand structure also led to the development of fine motor skills as well as the ability to play musical instruments (Larsen, 2022)
Overall, the development of the human hand has increased our ability to manipulate our environment and has played a crucial role in shaping our species. The ability to use both a power and precision grip has allowed us to adapt to perform necessary tasks in a wide range of environments.
Bolton, D., Aiello, L. C., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2003). The hand of Homo habilis: a new level of discrimination. Nature, 423(6941), 674-679.
Larsen, C. S. (2022). Essentials of biological anthropology. W.W. Norton & Company.
Evolutionary Anthropology 