It seems that Scientists have found an explanation for the mystery of why humans are the only animals to have chins. And can you imagine that it is linked with the invention of cooking.
Various explanations have been put forward for the seemingly useless bony projection even including the age old idea that it helps humans attract a mate.
However, a new study at the University of Florida advocates that the chin began to develop as a result of major changes six million years earlier.
The advent of cooking and softer food meant humans no longer needed big teeth and powerful jaws, and over the next two million years both got smaller giving birth to chin as a result.
Researchers led by anthropologist Dr James Pampush collected chin data from over 100 primate species and compared it with historical data.
Computer modelling traced the shifting orientation of the front of the jaw and the rate at which the chin evolved.
The study suggests the chin is what is known as a spandrel – an evolutionary by-product of another event. In this case, the event could well be the advent of cooking.
“It (the event) had to have occurred between six million to 200,000 years ago – six million years ago is the timing of the split between humans and chimpanzees,” said Pampush.
“My guess is that it happened around two million years ago when there was a jump in brain size. We had a soft diet, and we no longer needed big teeth.
“Around two million years ago there were a lot of changes to the ‘human-like’ animals. Homo erectus had a larger body size, much larger brains, was probably cooking and there’s a good chance they were using clothing,” said Pampush.
Pampush added that the changes which ultimately lead to the chin are directly related to cooking, and indirectly related to larger brains and bodies.
The study was published in the Journal of Human Evolution.
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
