Think humans are the only ones with opposable thumbs? Meet the other species that can climb, grip and grasp too
What are thumbs?
We hear a lot about the benefits of our own opposable thumbs – our ability to grasp, grip and manipulate objects using our fingers. An opposable thumb is a digit (finger or toe) that can be rotated to touch the tips of the other fingers (or toes) on the same hand (or foot). This allows for a wide range of movement and means we can hold and grip objects rather than having to carry them in our mouths like other species. It also allows us to use tools.
But we’re not the only ones with these handy tools. Opposable thumbs are a feature of other primates too, like orangutans and gorillas, as well as a range of other species.
Animals with opposable thumbs
Great apes
Great apes – chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans and gorillas – are close relatives of humans and share many characteristics, including the opposable thumb. In fact, they have twice as many as us, with opposable big toes as well! They use their opposable digits in similar ways to us, building shelters, grooming one another, swinging between tree branches, gathering food and picking fruit. Of all apes, chimpanzees show the largest range of tool use.
Koalas
One of very few marsupials with opposable thumbs, the koala has two opposable thumbs on each hand, set at an angle against the other three fingers. This provides excellent stability for the koalas while they are climbing trees. They also have an opposable toe on each foot, meaning they’re clocking in with an impressive six opposable digits in total.
Lemurs
This is a bit of a stretch – lemurs don’t technically have opposable thumbs, but they are almost opposable. They are still skilled at grasping and manipulating objects, but the movement of the thumb is restricted as the ball of the joint is fixed in place.
Opossums
Virginia opossums have a fifth toe on their hind feet which acts as an opposable digit, helping them climb trees. Unlike its other toes, the opposable thumb lacks a nail or claw.
Giant pandas
Sometimes referred to as a “false thumb”, the giant panda’s digit functions as an opposable thumb, opposite the five fingers. It’s an enlarged carpal bone that allows the panda to grip bamboo shoots, its primary food source.
Waxy monkey tree frog
Similar to many of the other species featured here, the waxy monkey tree frog uses its opposable thumbs to grip tree branches as it climbs. Unlike other frogs, it walks rather than hops – hence the “monkey” in its name.
