David Carrier, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Utah, has been making controversies with his theory that human hands might have evolved to be used as
clubs.
In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology it was found that while an open palm strike can achieve as much force as a punch, a clenched fist can focus the force into a smaller area. Additionally, a clenched fist reduces the risk of injury to the delicate fingers. The shape of the human hand, in contrast to the hands of other apes, allows for such a unique configuration.
The study has been challenged and raises questions about form versus function (did the hands evolve to be used as a club or was that just a secondary result?).
Are human beings natural born killers? Are we killer
apes?
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=human-hands-evolved-for-fighting
clubs.
In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology it was found that while an open palm strike can achieve as much force as a punch, a clenched fist can focus the force into a smaller area. Additionally, a clenched fist reduces the risk of injury to the delicate fingers. The shape of the human hand, in contrast to the hands of other apes, allows for such a unique configuration.
The study has been challenged and raises questions about form versus function (did the hands evolve to be used as a club or was that just a secondary result?).
Are human beings natural born killers? Are we killer
apes?
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=human-hands-evolved-for-fighting