Evolution is a fascinating and mysterious phenomenon, both captivating and challenging to fully understand. The idea that all mammals, including humans, are linked in an evolutionary web is truly engaging. But where can we find proof of this connection and shared heritage with our distant ancestors?
Surprisingly, the answer lies within our own bodies. Our physical forms are like time capsules, holding remnants of our evolutionary past. From the odd feeling of getting goosebumps to the presence or absence of a certain wrist tendon, our bodies are full of clues about our origin.
One of the most interesting evolutionary leftovers is goosebumps. When you feel your skin tingle and the arm hairs stand up, you’re seeing a direct link to our mammalian ancestors. In furry ancestors, this reaction was important for survival. A muscle attached to arm hairs would contract, making the hairs stand up and creating those bumps. This increased surface area to retain heat in cold. But in our modern, climate – controlled lives, it’s no longer practically useful. Still, it’s a reminder of our shared past with ancient mammals.
Another interesting relic is how animals react to threats. When a cat feels threatened, its fur puffs out. This is an old defense mechanism to look bigger and scare off attackers. This isn’t just in cats; pigeons do it too. On a cold winter day, a pigeon puffs its feathers to keep warm and seem larger. It’s the same evolutionary instinct.
These small but interesting signs of evolution show that our bodies are not just for our minds; they’re living records of our ancestral journey.
One of the most amazing pieces of evolutionary evidence is in our arms, specifically the tendons. In our wrists, there’s a tendon that about 10 – 15% of people have lost through evolution. This tendon is related to the palmaris longus muscle. Our tree – dwelling primate ancestors, like lemurs and monkeys, used this muscle to move from branch to branch. As humans and ground – dwelling apes don’t need it, we’re gradually losing this internal function. But evolution is slow, and about 90% of humans still have this leftover from our primate ancestors.