Thumbnails helped rats, squirrels, and more take over the world
2 days ago
- #rodents
- #evolution
- #biology
- Rodents make up roughly half of all mammal species and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
- Some rodents, like squirrels, have smooth, flat thumbnails instead of claws, aiding in food handling.
- A study suggests thumbnails evolved around 60 million years ago, contributing to rodents' evolutionary success.
- Rodents with thumbnails are more likely to handle food with their hands, unlike those without thumbs.
- Thumbnails may have allowed rodents to exploit high-energy foods like nuts, giving them a competitive edge.
- Primates are the only other animals with thumbnails instead of claws, highlighting a unique evolutionary trait.
- The study underscores the importance of museum collections in uncovering ecological and evolutionary insights.