STL Science Center

STL Science Center

15 February 2017

Opposable Thumbs

If one remembers the cartoon that was shared on Sunday there was mention of opposed digits and climbing abilities prescribed to Nqwebasaurus. There was not much embellishment in those statements; there is always some in developing hypotheses. The forelimb and hand of Nqwebasaurus are unique in that they do appear to have been well-adapted to not only climbing, but also partial opposition of the digits allowing for a certain amount of grasping. This amount of grasping has not been quantified, though the partial nature of the opposition has been stressed in the initial description and subsequent publications. When looking at the fossil it is not difficult to understand why the degree of movement of the manus and its digit's movements is not entirely explored, modeled, or simply known at this time:

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