Our bodies are incredible, showing signs of thousands of years of evolution. Even now, small changes continue to happen — changes you can actually see for yourself. One example is a tendon in your wrist connected to a muscle called the palmaris longus, which is slowly disappearing from some people.
This muscle helped our ancient ancestors and certain animals, like monkeys and lemurs, move by swinging on branches. Apes that spend more time on the ground, such as gorillas, have started losing it, and so have humans.
About 10 to 15 percent of people today no longer have this tendon, which hints at ongoing evolution. To find out if you still have yours, there’s a simple test at home. Rest your forearm flat with the palm up, touch your pinky to your thumb, and lift your hand slightly.
If you see a clear band in the center of your wrist, that’s the tendon. If not, you’re among the growing number who have lost it as we continue to evolve.
Did you have it? Share your results and pass this fun test on to your friends.
