Evidence of hominid-like precision grip capability in the hand of the Miocene ape Oreopithecus

Functional and allometric analyses of the hand of the late Miocene ape Oreo pithecus bambolii (Tuscany, Italy) reveal a series of features that reflect an improved grasping capability including firm pad-to-pad precision grippi ng that apes are unable to perform. Related features such as hand length, r elative thumb length, a deep and large insertion area for the tendon of the long thumb flexor, and the form of the metacarpal 2/capitate articulation are not present in extant or fossil apes, In these features, the Oreopithec us hand closely matches the pattern of early hominids, presumably as a resp onse to similar functional demands.