Evolution of Human Hands

What is the estimated age of the notharctus primate skeleton discovered in Wyoming territory?

What is a distinct feature of the thumb in modern primates, including humans?

What was the primary mode of locomotion for notharctus and most modern monkeys?

What ancient creature is credited with being one of the first to use its fins to crawl out of the sea?

What is the name of the fossil hunter who possesses a nearly complete skeleton of notharctus?

What is a characteristic feature of the ancient hand found in creatures like hydrocodium?

Approximately how many years ago did ancient mammals modify their fins into paws?

Evolution of Hands

Around 375 million years ago, ancient creatures like Tiktaalik used their fins to crawl out of the sea, which eventually evolved into paws in ancient mammals.
Early species, such as hydrocodium, had short fingers that all pointed in the same direction, tipped with claws.
A significant turning point in hand evolution was seen in the tree-dwelling species called notharctus.

Notharctus and Early Primates

Notharctus was a 50 million-year-old primate species first discovered in Wyoming territory in 1870.
The fossil skeleton of notharctus provides a unique window into the lives of early primates, showcasing how they interacted with their environment.
Like modern monkeys, notharctus was adapted to life in trees and was a skilled climber.

The Evolution of the Thumb

The evolution of notharctus and similar creatures had a significant impact on the development of the thumb.
The thumb in notharctus was divergent, forming an angle with the index finger, allowing it to oppose the rest of the digits.
This unique feature of the thumb is a defining characteristic of humans and is still seen today.

Discover the ancient history of human hands, from fins to paws and claws. Learn about the evolution of hands through fossils like Tiktaalik, hydrocodium, and notharctus.