The new findings, published today (Dec. 19) in the Journal of Experimental Biology, show that the clenched fist produces no more force than an open-palm slap, but protects the fingers better. Human's unique hand shape is one of only a few possible configurations that allow an organism to have both manual dexterity and the ability to brutally club opponents, the study reveals.
This isn't the first time Carrier has argued that humans evolved to fight. Last year he published research suggesting that humans became bipedal
to better land crushing blows
.
As a follow-up, the team wants to study whether differences in women and men's hands (women in general have a longer index finger) potentially make women more dexterous and men more dangerous.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
A forearm or elbow does more damage, an open palm to the nose can cause death, fingers to the throat can result in the same.
My sensei taught us all of this.
