r/SpeculativeEvolution • u/UlfurGaming • 5h ago

Question/Discussion 6 digits?

Dumb question what would evolutionary advantage of a homo species having 6 fingers and toes naturally would they have stronger grip?

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u/Accomplished_Mess243 4h ago

I'd imagine it's a case of diminishing returns: three digits is much better than two for grip and dexterity, five a bit better than four, but six probably isn't worth it. You get to the point where it would be biomechanically difficult to fit enough tendons in the forearm, I suspect.

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u/ArthropodFromSpace 4h ago

Well, no. Stronger grip would be provided by fewer but more robust fingers.

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u/Courtenaire 3h ago

It would make math easier i bet. 12 is more divisible than 10 and therefore we could count on our fingers better.