Question

How and why is my opposable thumb an evolutionary advantageous adaptation compared to other animals with similar homologous structures in the arm and hand?

Answer 1

Human hands are unique and of course opposable thumbs are unique from other animals with similar homologous structures in the arms and hands. Human opposable thumb is longer when compared to the finger length than other primitives. This longer thumbs help to touch other fingers too, so that here comes the ability to grasp any object. When the 4 fingers move to one side, thumbs move to opposite side, so that we can easily grasp an object. These adaptation helps us to pick small objects, eat with our hand, do our works etc.

Most primates have opposable thumb. But, humans can move their thumb farther across their hand than other primitive. This is a physical adaptation.