The human opposable thumb is longer, compared to finger length, than any other primate thumb. This long thumb and its ability to easily touch the other fingers allow humans to firmly grasp and manipulate objects of many different shapes.

What are opposable thumbs good for?

Human thumbs are called opposable thumbs. They are called opposable because the thumb can be moved around to touch the other fingers, which gives people the ability to grasp things. ... Having opposable thumbs helps in grasping things more easily, picking up small objects, and eating with one hand.

What does opposable thumb really mean?

Humans have an opposable thumb, meaning that they are able to simultaneously flex, abduct and medially rotate the thumb (pollex) so as to bring its tip into opposition with the tips of any of the other digits. ... Humans share pollical opposability with most other catarrhines (old world monkeys and apes).