www.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.
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.
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?
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?
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