Exercise 1: Opposable Thumb

Questions

A. How many tasks were more difficult to perform without an opposable thumb? How many tasks were easier to perform with an opposable thumb? How many tasks were not impacted by the use of an opposable thumb?

B. Which task was the most difficult to perform with your opposable thumbs immobilized? Specifically, what about this task was challenging, and how was it easier to perform with the use of your opposable thumbs?

C. Was dexterity or grasping ability most impacted when your opposable thumbs were immobilized? Explain your answer.

D. Many primates have opposability in their big toe in addition to their thumbs. How do think your daily life would be impacted if Homo sapiens had opposability in their big toes?

Exercise 2: Bipedalism versus Quadrupedalism

Questions

A. What were the difficulties you experienced in moving as a quadruped? Specifically, what muscles were uncomfortable?

B. What everyday tasks do you think would become more challenging if Homo sapiens were fulltime quadrupeds instead of full-time bipeds? Explain your answers.

C. What movements or tasks do you think would become easier and less challenging if Homo sapiens were full-time quadrupeds instead of full-time bipeds? Explain your answers.