Zoology: Bones

Primate hands are characterized by four long curved fingers and a thumb (also known as a pollex). In Old World monkeys, apes and humans, the thumb is opposable, meaning that it moves independently from the rest of the digits. The opposability of the thumb makes it possible for skillful manipulation of objects. This dexterity is of great importance in the survival activities of the primate namely in climbing vegetation, grasping and holding food, holding offspring and making tools. African apes engage in what is known as knuckle-walking, where the fingers are curled up into a fist and the dorsal aspect of the fingers make contact with the ground. In most primates, the distal tips of the fingers are covered with flat nails and the palmer (the palm side) surface of the hands is covered with dermatoglyphics (fingerprints). The life cast of this adult male bonobo hand would be a wonderful addition to any primatology, anthropology or zoology program. Please see our other life casts of primate hands, including a human, LC-17.
8" L x 4 ¼" W / 20.2 cm x 11 cm

Conservation Status: Endangered