New Study Reveals How Early Human Ancestors Mastered Climbing and Tool-Making with Their Hands

Our hands tell stories about how we and our ancestors lived. They reflect various activities like climbing, gripping, and tool-making. Each action puts stress on different parts of our fingers, which causes our bones to thicken in those areas over time.

To uncover how ancient humans used their hands, researchers employed 3D scanning technology. They examined the fossilized hands of two early human species: *Australopithecus sediba* and *Homo naledi*. The first lived around 2 million years ago, while the second lived about 300,000 years ago.

Both species showed evidence of using their hands for multiple purposes. They climbed trees and used their hands to grasp and manipulate objects essential for tool-making. “They likely walked on two feet while simultaneously using their hands for various tasks, including climbing,” noted Samar Syeda, a paleoanthropologist from the American Museum of Natural History.

This research, published in *Science Advances*, suggests that evolution of hand function isn’t a straightforward path from “ape-like” to “human-like.” As Smithsonian paleoanthropologist Rick Potts pointed out, this understanding challenges simple narratives about human evolution.

Complete fossilized hands are hard to come by, making these specimens particularly valuable for studying the forces acting on each finger. Chatham University’s Erin Marie Williams-Hatala commented, “Hands are crucial for how we interact with the world.”

This research sheds light on our development. Interestingly, recent studies show that 84% of people believe our hands are central to skill-building and creativity. This connection to our evolutionary past enriches our understanding of what it means to be human today.

For further insights into ancient human behavior and evolution, consider checking resources from the [American Museum of Natural History](https://www.amnh.org) and other reputable sites that delve into human ancestry.

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Erin Marie Williams-Hatala, Rick Potts, Archaeology and anthropology, Science, Design, Samar Syeda