Prehensility refers to the primate trait of…. Group of answer choices Having five fingers and toes Having fingernails Having opposable thumbs Having fingerprints Having grasping hands and feet
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct answer:
Having grasping hands and feet
Explanation:
Prehensility is the ability to grasp or hold objects, which is a key adaptation seen in many primates. This trait involves having hands and feet capable of wrapping around and holding objects securely, allowing primates to manipulate their environment more effectively.
Primates have evolved prehensile hands and often feet to improve their ability to climb, forage, and interact with objects such as branches, food, and tools. Prehensility enables a primate to curl its fingers or toes around something, providing a strong grip. This trait is especially important for tree-dwelling (arboreal) primates, helping them move safely through the canopy.
While other features mentioned in the choices—such as having five fingers and toes, fingernails, opposable thumbs, and fingerprints—are also characteristic of primates, they are not synonymous with prehensility:
- Having five fingers and toes is a general mammalian trait and not unique to primates. It contributes to hand and foot structure but does not directly imply the ability to grasp.
- Having fingernails instead of claws helps protect the fingers and aids in tactile sensation but doesn’t by itself mean the hands or feet can grasp.
- Having opposable thumbs is a major factor in increasing the dexterity and precision of grasping, especially in the hand, but prehensility includes the ability to grasp not only with hands but sometimes feet too. Some primates have prehensile feet, and prehensility is a broader concept than just opposable thumbs.
- Having fingerprints improves tactile feedback and grip friction but is unrelated to the ability to grasp broadly.
Prehensility allows primates to manipulate their environment in complex ways, from holding onto branches to using tools, which is a significant evolutionary advantage. In summary, prehensility refers specifically to the grasping ability of the hands and feet, enabling fine motor control and secure grip—making “having grasping hands and feet” the correct answer.