The Importance of Opposable Thumbs - This week's experiment is one that has been around for a long time, but it is still a fun one. Look at your thumb. Amazing, isn't it? Not impressed? Just wait.
These experiments are from Robert Krampf - The Happy Scientist
This week's experiment is one that has been around for a long time, but it is
still a fun one. Look at your thumb. Amazing, isn't it? Not impressed?
Just wait. You will need:
some tape
Unless you injure your thumb, you tend to take it for granted. We are going
to take a look at how very special and important your thumbs are. What makes
them so special? Your thumbs are different from those of most animals. You
have opposable thumbs. What does that mean? It means that your thumb can
press directly against your other fingers, fingerprint against fingerprint.
Try pressing the end of your first finger against your thumb. Then try doing the
same thing with your first finger and your second finger. Doesn't work the
same, does it? You can press them together side to side, but not like you did
with your thumb.
Let's see how important this really is. Below is a list of activities for
you to try. They are all ordinary, everyday type things that are easy to do.
Untie your shoe, and take it off.
Put your shoe back on, and tie it.
Write your name and address on a piece of paper.
Put a scoop of ice cream into a bowl and then eat it with a spoon.
Pick up 5 coins off the floor.
OK, all of that was easy. Now lets try it without your thumbs. To do that,
get someone to use some tape to attach your thumbs to your first fingers.
Just a little tape around the top of your thumb and the base of your first
finger
should do the trick. Now, try going through the activities again.
Not as easy this time, was it. Without an opposable thumb, it is hard to
hold and manipulate small objects. You can't get a good grip on things. For
such a simple part of your body, thumbs sure are useful.
Have a wonderful week.
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