francene--blog. Year 2013
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Dec 17th

12/17/2013

 
Picturewww.bbc.co.uk
An ancient bone discovered at a burial site in Kenya highlights the origin of human hand dexterity earlier as than previously thought.  Mankind used tools more than half a million years in advance of the assumed time.

PNAS journal reports that the well-preserved metacarpal bone which connects to the index finger resembles that of modern man. It is the earliest fossilized evidence of when humans developed a strong enough grip to start using tools, and differs anatomically from an ape's bone.

The discovery provides evidence that the modern human hand evolved more than 600,000 years earlier than previously documented and probably in the times of the genus Homo erectussensu lato.


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Prof Ward, professor of pathology and anatomical sciences at the University of Missouri, Columbia, pointed out that the hand bone locks into the wrist bones, allowing for greater amounts of pressure to be applied to the wrist and hand from a grasping thumb and fingers. This hand dexterity contributed to the evolutionary history of our genus, and was fundamental to our continued existence.

The trouble is mankind wasn't satisfied with mere survival. Modern man went on to conquer every known challenge in our world—climbing the highest mountains and the sheerest cliffs, diving into the depths of the ocean and underground caves as well as rocketing into space. Using their magnificent brain, mankind continues to expand the known horizons by manufacturing robots that can replicate our own attributes—including the dexterous hand.

I often wonder how the discovery of these ancient human bones ties in with the Bible's explanation of how man evolved. Bearing in mind that every culture clings to their particular religious beliefs, there should be a universal truth which links us all. I've worked out plenty of theories. How about you?


Carolina HeartStrings link
12/16/2013 06:51:41 pm

I'm intrigued by your second picture. I assume it is some sort of tool. But wondering about the ridge in the center. Am trying to learn more about windsheared stones and wondered if you knew this was one?

Francene Stanley link
12/16/2013 07:16:25 pm

I assume it's a hand chipped tool used for a specific purpose. Judging by the size, it could be for sectioning animals.

Sophie Bowns link
12/16/2013 07:06:24 pm

This is very interesting! Bones from all those years ago!

Francene Stanley link
12/16/2013 07:17:13 pm

It's hard to imagine that length of time, isn't it?

Veronica Roth link
12/16/2013 07:29:55 pm

You know, I keep thinking about the time my parents visited Camp Leakey and the impact it had on me. Louis Leakey was gone by then but we had an audience with his son Richard. I remember being so impressed. :)

Francene Stanley link
12/17/2013 02:20:25 am

Thanks for sharing that, Veronica.

Amy link
12/16/2013 09:00:09 pm

Fascinating discovery, Francene! I'm puzzled by your line "I often wonder how the discovery of these ancient human bones ties in with the Bible's explanation of how man evolved." The Bible doesn't ever say that man EVOLVED, but that God CREATED man and woman. On the sixth day, I believe. This discovery does support the creation story, I do believe.

Francene Stanley link
12/17/2013 02:21:39 am

Of course! I didn't put that well. But the bone discovery DOES support the creation story.

Waiwai link
12/16/2013 09:05:19 pm

It is such a fascinating discovery!


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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