The big toe determines the process of human evolution

A new study published by Canadian and American scientists in the journal "Evolution" has come to the conclusion contrary to many previous scientific theories about the development of human body structure.

Unlike many people think that the development of thumbs is bigger than other fingers and can touch other fingers is the evolutionary difference between humans and our ancestors millions of years ago.

The new study shows that the development of the big toe is longer and larger, while the remaining short toes to help people walk easily with 2 legs is the most important trait in progress. human chemistry.

According to new research, it is the structural change of the big toe that causes "side effects" on the development of other fingers and toes.

The previous hypotheses about human evolution often focus more on the development of hands that are capable of holding, but forget the fact that the toes and fingers have very similar characteristics and they can co-evolve in the early days of man.

Biologist Campbell Rolian, head of the research team, and his colleagues analyzed and compared the structure of the foot and hand bones of humans today with chimpanzees.

By precise calculations of how bone growth must occur, they found a link between the evolution of the toes and fingers.

Researchers believe that the "oversized" development of the big toe is not only important for people to walk with their legs but also to affect the genetic structure and alter the symmetrical fingers. with them at hand is the thumb.

The adaptation of each toe leads to a similar adaptation in each symmetrical finger.

Gibbons have long been able to use their hands to hold, grasp and perform other clever actions, but thanks to the development of their toes, the evolution of the hands that humans can control And holding your thumb and other fingers together is easier than chimpanzees./.