opposability
Grasping digit trait
Opposability is the capacity of a digit—especially the thumb—to move across the palm to meet the other fingers.
This feature allows grasping and precise manipulation of objects: The opposability of the human thumb enables tool use.
Opposability is a key trait distinguishing primates from most other mammals.
Short opposable digit
- phalangesBones of fingers, toes
- metacarpalLong bone in hand
- jointShared by multiple parties
- fingertipTerminal phalanx pad
fingerpad · knuckle · carpal · tendon · ligament · muscle · thenar · digit
Secure manual hold
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- prehensileAdapted for grasping
- claspSecuring device that clicks
manipulation · precision grip · power grip · hold · clutch · seize · handle · tweezers
Bipedal primate family
- bipedalismWalking on two limbs
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
- primateHigher mammal order member
anthropology · fossils · phylogeny · speciation · traits · genetics · divergence · ancestry
Great ape, genus Pan
- gorillaLargest great ape
- orangutanLarge red-haired Asian ape
- bonoboCongo Basin great ape
- gibbonTailless tree-dwelling primate
capuchin · macaque · baboon · marmoset · lemur · tarsier · ape · simian
Accuracy of measurement
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
- tactilityPerceivability through touch
touch · craftsmanship · tool use · handedness · skill · nimbleness · control · functionality
thumb
Short opposable digit
- phalangesBones of fingers, toes
- metacarpalLong bone in hand
- jointShared by multiple parties
fingertip · fingerpad · knuckle · carpal · tendon · ligament · muscle · thenar · digit · nail
grip
Secure manual hold
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
- pincerGrasping claw organ
- prehensileAdapted for grasping
clasp · manipulation · precision grip · power grip · hold · clutch · seize · handle · tweezers · forceps
hominid
Bipedal primate family
- bipedalismWalking on two limbs
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- natural selectionDifferential reproductive success
primate · anthropology · fossils · phylogeny · speciation · traits · genetics · divergence · ancestry · paleontology
chimpanzee
Great ape, genus Pan
gibbon · capuchin · macaque · baboon · marmoset · lemur · tarsier · ape · simian · arboreal
precision
Accuracy of measurement
- coordinationOrganized cooperative movement
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- finesseSubtle, deft handling
tactility · touch · craftsmanship · tool use · handedness · skill · nimbleness · control · functionality · adaptability