Human Hands Evolved From Knuckle-Walking Ancestors

Why this is here: The study compared wrist bones from 55 primate species, including both those currently alive and those that are extinct, to trace the evolution of hand anatomy.

Anthropologists in the Czech Republic described new findings about the evolution of the human hand. They determined that human ancestors moved similarly to gorillas. These ancestors relied on their knuckles while walking on all fours.

Researchers compared the wrist bones of 55 primates and hominins. This included both living and extinct species.

They focused on the carpal bones, which are small and difficult to study. Experts used three-dimensional scanning and a refined mathematical method to analyze the bones.

The study revealed nearly complete similarity between the lunatum and triquetrum—two bones in the inner wrist—of humans and African apes. This suggests a shared ancestor who walked on knuckles.

However, scientists are still investigating how humans uniquely adapted their hands for complex tasks. The evolution of the human hand occurred slowly, with changes linked to a shift from tree-swinging to object manipulation. Further research will explore the specific selective pressures driving these changes.