“Evolution of the human hand: grasping trees and tools”

Tracy Kivell, Director of Department of Human Origins, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
 

The enhanced dexterity of the human hand is considered unique within the animal kingdom and has fascinated scientists since the time of Darwin (1871) and even da Vinci (1510). However, we know remarkably little about how these unique abilities evolved. I will discuss fossil evidence of the hand from some of our early human relatives (hominins) and what the external and internal morphology of these fossils can tell us about how our hominin relatives may have used their hands for tool behaviors and for climbing. I will further discuss how the study of living primates can help us to understand the evolution of human dexterity and tool use, and what is truly unique (or not) about the human hand.

The lecture will be held in english!