The Importance of Opposable Thumbs - This week's experiment is one that has been around for a long time, but it is still a fun one. Look at your thumb. Amazing, isn't it? Not impressed? Just wait.

The meaning and origin of the expression: Rule of thumb



'Rule of thumb' - the meaning and origin of this phrase
Sorry book readers, I have a personal post today. For the past month and a half I have dealt with a swollen thumb. You would think it would be no problem, but once you have an injured thumb you immediately realize what an asset it is. My poor thumb on my right hand, which is my dominant hand, is twice as big as the thumb on my left hand. Along with my poor thumb, I have a few other fingers that have swollen as well.


Why Do Humans Have Thumbs?
The thumb is described as "opposable" meaning that it can wrap around something in the opposite or opposing direction to that of the other four fingers; this gives a tremendously better grip than if all the fingers wrap around an object whatever it may be, originally a tree limb in the same direction. Most important finger on your hand is the thumb. It isn't necessarily the most important part of the hand, but it is significant. The thumb is the opposing digit which allows us to grasp objects. The thumb is like the pole of your house.



Basically, opposable thumbs are important to help us, primates, and panda bears, help grip things better, pick things up, and eat with one hand. We need opposable thumbs to do.. Most animals do not have opposable thumbs. Two animals that do not have opposable thumbs are cats and dogs.