Why Neanderthals Sported Arms Like Popeye page 2

[Owly]

So, as they say, either it can't have been from spear-thrusting or most Neanderthals were left-handed.

Possibly relevant?

Gene for Left-Handed Trait Discovered

I wonder whether Neanderthals had brains with the same degree of asymmetry as modern humans. I'm not sure we can assume that they were right handed just because most modern humans are. I'm curious as to whether those researchers who are studying Neanderthal genetics have identified whether this gene is present in their specimens.

[carlh]

Wanna high-five?

[Alex Good]

Wanna high-five?

Okay it looks like he's having trouble holding that thing up. Maybe he should throw in some whole body stuff so he can walk without falling to the side.

[Knifegill]

It's genetic, Alex. Though he could bulk up his non-wrestling arm, I suppose.

[Alex Good]

It's genetic, Alex. Though he could bulk up his non-wrestling arm, I suppose.

He should. Having one arm like that is a huge athletic disadvantage.

[Knifegill]

Yeah, but I don't know that he considers himself so much of an athlete as he does a spectacle.

[Alex Good]

Yeah, but I don't know that he considers himself so much of an athlete as he does a spectacle.

I guess that's the problem. Nobody seems to view fitness itself as important anymore. Sure, people have their obssessions with sports, but that's not really the same thing, is it?

[Figlio di Moros]

He's a professional arm wrestler, if memory serves me correct. So, in a way, the assymetry's part and parcel to his sport.

[wiltondeportes]

I'm going to hazard a guess that Neanderthals relied on projectile weapons for anything they couldn't manhandle themselves or escape to safety from. Why? They couldn't run for shit.

This stronger forearm was their spear-throwing arm. You see this same effect, albeit on a smaller scale, with baseball players. Especially pitchers.

[Figlio di Moros]

Except Neanderthals aren't known to have had projectile weapons; in fact, it's believed they didn't. IIRC, the injuries sustained and structure of their bones indicate dense musculature and routine injuries consistant with close encounters with prey.