• Hominidae
• Manipulation
• Thumb
• First Metacarpal
• Functional Morphology
• 3D Geometric Morphometrics

This study explores the possibility to apply the 3D Geometric Morphometrics methodology to the study of the head of the first metacarpal (MC1), in order to pinpoint and quantify morphological correlates to human-like manipulative abilities. The results of this study may be helpful in inferring the manipulative abilities of fossil hominins in paleoanthropological research.. The sample consists of living representatives of the genera of the family Hominidae, as well as a fossil of Australopithechus africanus (StW 418). Following a Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA), a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried. Scores on principal components (PC) were compared by means of ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD. The results show how the morphology of Homo is adapted for higher stability at the metacarpo-phalangeal (MP) joint, stability that is probably necessary to properly engage in forceful precision grips and precision handling. Minor differences are present among the great apes, possibly due to differences in the slightly different use each ape make of the thumb. A. africanus bear morphological correlates to manipulation, but not as developed as in humans and might have not been able to engage in precision handling of small objects.