US EditionEarly human ancestors used their hands to both climb trees and make tools, new study shows
- Researchers analyzed nearly complete fossil hand skeletons of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi from South Africa to study their hand use.
- They investigated differences in the thickness and arrangement of the dense outer layer of finger bones to better understand how these hominins balanced climbing skills with hand manipulation abilities.
- Australopithecus sediba showed a long, human-like thumb suited for precise grips while Homo naledi exhibited curved fingers and a unique grip pattern indicating climbing and diverse hand use.
- Lead author Samar Syeda explained that the distinct grip pattern of H. Naledi suggests it applied varied loads to different parts of its fingers, indicating diverse functional use compared to other species.
- The findings suggest hand evolution involved diverse adaptations, challenging the simple linear model of evolving from more ape-like to modern human dexterity.
15 Articles
15 Articles
How different ancient human relatives in South Africa got a grip
New research into the hand structures of different ancient human relatives found in modern South Africa reveals varying levels of dexterity and climbing ability, offering new clues into the evolution of humans. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, focuses on near-complete hand skeletons from 2 ancient hominins – Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi. Fossil hands of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi. Credit: © Tracy Kive…
Dexterity and climbing ability: how ancient human relatives used their hands
Scientists have found new evidence for how our fossil human relatives in South Africa may have used their hands. Researchers investigated variation in finger bone morphology to determine that South African hominins not only may have had different levels of dexterity, but also different climbing abilities.
Ancient Hands Reveal Diverse Gripping Abilities in Early Hominins
Berlin, Germany (SPX) May 15, 2025 New research has shed light on the gripping abilities of early human ancestors in South Africa, revealing distinct differences in hand function and dexterity. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, along with colleagues from the American Museum of Natural History, the University of the Witwatersrand, University of Kent, Duke University, and the National Geographi
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
