Why are people the only animals with chin?

One characteristic that makes us different from other primates is the development of the chin bone. In other words, having a chin is a unique feature of modern people.

The reason humans are the only animals with chin

At some point in the evolutionary process, humans developed a chin bone, while other animals did not . The reason for this phenomenon is still a long-standing topic of debate in the scientific community, but researchers from the University of Iowa (USA) believe that they have finally found the answer.

The skull of the modern person (left) has a difference at the end of the face compared to the Neanderthal's skull: the chin development.(Photo: BI)

Until now, researchers virtually tied human chin with the mechanical force needed to chew food. However, according to anthropologist Nathan Holton of the University of Iowa, there is no scientific evidence to support that statement.

Instead, Mr. Holton said, people have developed unique features on their faces, after becoming less violent and living in a more communal manner, leading to a decline in hormones and rather change our face structure.

This process is explained as follows : Modern people evolve from hunting-gathering groups into more collaborative groups, forming social networks everywhere. These more connected groups seem to have grown to the point where they reveal themselves in painting and other iconic means.

A side effect of this social change is the decline in hormones, especially testosterone. As these levels of hormones decrease, our bodies begin to change in strange ways. A big change is that the face becomes smaller, creating a natural opportunity for the chin to appear on the person's face.

So, though it may sound strange, the chin may be a constant reminder of human behavior and social change, occurring thousands of years ago.