If a Tendon Raises Up

Evolution is an interesting and enigmatic phenomenon.

The idea that all mammals, including ourselves, are interconnected

somehow is fascinating. One that can be difficult to fully grasp

– where do we find proof of evolution? Evidence of our ancestral heritage,

tracing back from early apes to Neanderthals and ultimately to the modern Homo

sapiens we have become, is abundant. Numerous internal and external characteristics

we possess are merely remnants passed down from our predecessors. Many of these features no longer

serve a practical purpose in our current lives. As many people no longer scavenge for food or wander

as nomads, we still retain these almost useless traits. They have been passed down to us

from a time when they were crucial for survival. Take, for instance, the strange feeling

of getting goosebumps. It is not merely a random occurrence. Our mammalian ancestors,

when experiencing cold temperatures, had a familiar way of dealing with the problem.

Goosebumps served as a mechanism to increase their surface area and retain heat.

A muscle connected to our arm hairs contracts when we are cold—causing the hairs to stand upright and creating bumps on the skin.

a pigeon puffing out its feathers in the cold is proof of evolution
This physiological response doesn’t serve a significant purpose in our present lives. But apart from reminding us that we should have brought a coat, we can still observe modern mammals taking to this biological instinct. For example, when facing chilly weather. You might have seen a pigeon puff up on a cold winter day, pushing out its feathers to keep warm. If that isn’t proof of evolution, then what is? Additionally, when an animal feels threatened, such as when you surprise your cat, you’ll notice their fur will puff out. This defense mechanism is an ancient adaptation aimed at deceiving potential attackers by creating an illusion of a bigger size.

But there is one trait that undeniably shows proof of evolution

One truly remarkable evidence of evolution lies within our arms, specifically within our tendons. A tendon has been evolutionarily phased out in almost 10-15% of the human population, suggesting that we humans are far from reaching the end of evolution. This tendon is associated with an ancient muscle known as the palmaris longus, which was predominantly used by arboreal primates such as lemurs and monkeys to aid in their movement from branch to branch. As humans and ground-dwelling apes like gorillas no longer rely on this muscle or tendon, both species have gradually been losing this internal function. Nonetheless, evolution operates at its own pace – slowly, so nearly 90% of humans still retain this vestigial trait passed down from our primate ancestors. To check if you possess this tendon, place your forearm on a table with your palm facing upwards. Touch your pinky finger to your thumb and slightly lift your hand off the surface. If you observe a raised band in the middle of your wrist, you have the tendon connected to the still-existing palmaris longus.

Related Posts

MY DAUGHTER SWITCHED SEATS MID-FLIGHT—AND I FOUND OUT WHY TOO LATE It was supposed to be a quiet flight. Just me and my daughter, Reyna, heading to Phoenix to see my sister. I’d packed snacks, downloaded a few cartoons on the iPad, and even brought her unicorn plushie that she won’t sleep without. We boarded early, settled into our seats—me by the window, Reyna in the middle. I had just started zoning out, watching the tarmac, when I realized she was no longer beside me. I turned my head and there she was, squished in next to a man across the aisle, looking up at him like she knew him. “Reyna,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “Come back over here, baby.” She turned to me with the most serious face I’ve ever seen on a four-year-old and said, “No, I wanna sit with Grandpa.” I laughed awkwardly. “Sweetie, that’s not Grandpa.” The man looked just as confused as I was. “I’m sorry,” he said, glancing between us. “I’ve never met her before.” But Reyna didn’t budge. She grabbed the man’s arm with both hands and leaned in like she was guarding him. “She knows me,” she insisted. “You’re Grandpa Mike.” My stomach dropped. Not because I recognized the guy—he was a stranger to me—but because of the name. Mike. That’s my dad’s name. The dad who left when I was seven. The one Reyna’s never met. The one I never talk about. I tried to laugh it off again, but something about the way Reyna kept staring at him made my chest tighten. The man looked just as shaken as I felt. Then he said something I didn’t expect.⬇️ Continue reading in the first comment 👇

The flight was supposed to be silent. I’m travelling to Phoenix with my daughter, Reyna, to see my sister. I had packed food, downloaded a few videos…

If you don’t get enough of this 1 vitamin, your skin may lose elasticity and develop wrinkles. Full article 👇 💬

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and vitality of our skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps…

A message on the back of an SUV went viral after being shared on Reddit, quickly earning praise for the driver.. (check in first comment👇)

After being uploaded online, a phrase scrawled on the rear of an SUV swiftly gained popularity. After a Reddit user posted a picture of the driver on…

It’s been called the worst thing you can do. 😨(check in first comment👇)

Waking up in the middle of the night can be frustrating, but trying too hard to fall back asleep can make it worse. Sleep experts recommend not…

I was shocked to learn why some window grills curve at the bottom – most people don’t know the real reason! 🤯👇Continue in first comment👇

Window bars are commonly installed for security purposes, but some feature a distinctive “potbelly” design, where the center of the bar bulges outward. This unique shape serves…

The full story is in the comments.⬇️

Samuel, come here.” Sam hesitated. His father rarely used his full name unless something was wrong. He entered the living room to find his father, eyes red…