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Study Links Thumb Length to Primate Intelligence Evolution

8/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from Reading and Durham universities found a link between thumb length and brain size in 95 primate species, indicating co-evolution of dexterity and intelligence.
The study associates longer thumbs with the neocortex, highlighting its importance in cognition and action planning.
Despite having the largest brains, humans take longer to develop basic manual skills than other primates.

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Story summary

Researchers from Reading and Durham universities found a link between thumb length and brain size in 95 primate species, indicating co-evolution of dexterity and intelligence.
The study associates longer thumbs with the neocortex, highlighting its importance in cognition and action planning.
Despite having the largest brains, humans take longer to develop basic manual skills than other primates.