What does opposable thumb mean?
The thumb is the shortest, thickest digit on the human hand and moves in a different direction than the other digits. Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. They are called opposable because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives people the ability to grasp things. An opposable thumb is a physical adaptation. An adaptation is a feature that helps a plant or animal survive in its habitat. Adaptations can either be physical (a part of the body) or a behavior an organism has developed. Swimming in a school would be a behavioral adaptation for a fish that helps keep it from being eaten by other animals. An opposable thumb is a physical adaptation for primates. Opposable thumbs help monkeys and apes climb trees and gather and eat their food. Opposable thumbs help humans operate tools to make use of resources in our environment.
