Answer to Question #297229 in Evolution for Rookie

Question

How has having an opposable thumb helped primates, especially humans, adapt to their environment and survive better than other animals? Please explain further because it is worth 25 points

Answer 1

The opposable thumb has helped primates in grasping objects and increase their maneuverability. Primates can hold on to tree branches, rock surfaces to help them hold on tightly to help them move move from one place to another. The thumb also increases a primate's dexterity they can hold, break tree branches, pick a fruit etc.

As for humans the thumb has increased the dexterity tremendously enabling the humans to handle more complex tasks than the primates. Humans are ale to hold tools and perform a plethora of activities. For instance writing, the thumb makes it quite easy to hold a pen and write comfortably, holding a tool like a pliers, hammer, basically to accomplish the necessary activities. So the thumb enables a human to make use of the resources that are available in their environment making them a successful species.