Fighting may have shaped evolution of human hand

**MrGalt** · Posted On: 12/24/2012 2:24pm

Originally Posted by The Question

Evidence? Evidence about evolution? Really? About some **** that you can't fucking test? My ninja, come the **** on. Have there ever been any experiments designed to test any theory of evolution? That ever possibly could be?

You're going to get some bites on that one, even around here with people who are familiar with you. I look forward to it.

**Vieux Normand** · Posted On: 12/24/2012 4:02pm

Originally Posted by The Question

Evidence? Evidence about evolution? Really? About some **** that you can't fucking test?

So, according to you, there's no evidence of tooth-marks on bones indicating either predation or scavenging?

There are, in fossilized remains of humans and prehumans, no signs of predation by toothed and clawed predators, as well as no sign of skeletal damage from weapons wielded by others of their own species? Really? Look it up. There is.

What there is no fossil evidence of is--ready?--damage via fist.

Have there ever been any experiments designed to test any theory of evolution? That ever possibly could be?

That depends, radiant genius, on whether you consider examination of the fossil record an "experiment".

**goodlun** · Posted On: 12/24/2012 4:06pm

Evolution experiment you say?

Only included cause it is an interesting story more than anything else.

http://www.nytimes.com/1997/11/25/sc...xperiment.html

Also there has been plenty of stuff done with bacteria as poof of concept.

**goodlun** · Posted On: 12/24/2012 4:19pm

Oh this is actually what I was looking for especially the group that is competing with each other.

It is fun stuff

**Permalost** · Posted On: 1/02/2013 1:07pm

Originally Posted by The Question

Have there ever been any experiments designed to test any theory of evolution? That ever possibly could be?

The UFC?

**Dr_Awesome** · Posted On: 5/22/2013 11:36am

This is an interesting article, although lacking in references and specific data.

http://news.discovery.com/human/evol...ing-121219.htm

On a basic level, it makes sense, but at the same time, one thing about this article bothers me - if some of the selective pressure involved in shaping the modern human fist was for punching, why is it that throwing an effective punch is so difficult for an untrained fighter? I suppose even a bad punch is better than a slap, but I'm still not 100% convinced on this one.

**Devil** · Posted On: 5/22/2013 11:49am

Hmm. Interesting. It's certainly possible.

I disagree with some of the article - like the last line that says aggressive behavior no longer serves an evolutionary purpose. That's pure feelgood hippie garbage.

**DCS** · Posted On: 5/22/2013 12:05pm

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=119346

**Permalost** · Posted On: 5/22/2013 12:36pm

The link DCS posted has a pretty thorough discussion on the topic, the general consensus being that the evolutionary utility of the hand is its dexterity and ability to manipulate tools, over the ability to fistfight.