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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Opposable Thumbs (Age 11 to 14)

In this resource, produced by ARKive, students explore the role of the opposable thumb in primates and look at how this adaptation helps many different species in accomplishing tasks essential for survival. A presentation introduces the definition of an opposable thumb and looks at species that have this adaptation and the purposes it serves. Students then carry out an activity in which they time each other performing tasks such as unscrewing a jar lid with and without the use of their opposable thumb. They then consider the advantages and possible disadvantages of having an opposable thumb. The materials contain teacher guidance,activity sheet and classroom presentation.

Please note that the ARKive.org website is no longer available, where links are listed for additional information within the resource files.

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