Proof of human evolution you can see on your own body

How human bodies have evolved through natural selection can still be seen today. A video from Vox has highlighted a number of areas on the body that are remnants of our past – "parts that aren't there because you need them, but because our animal ancestors did".

Most notable is the raised band in the middle of the wrist some people have when they press their thumb and middle finger together and bend the hand towards the body. This has disappeared in about 10-15%.

While it serves no purpose to humans today (there is no difference in grip strength of those who have and those who do not), it used to help us move around easier when we were more similar to other primates and relied on our arms for getting about to a greater extent.

Similarly the video points to the muscles on our outer ear. They can still be detected through electrodes, even if the ear itself does not move when they are engaged. Tests show how these muscles still now try to pivot the ear towards a loud sound, even if the appendage itself cannot be shifted.

Another leftover physical response from our past is goosebumps. When cold, tiny muscles contract to pull the hair upright, creating a bump on the skin. In animals, this increases space for insulation, but does nothing for us to keep us warm. It is also related to adrenalin and the fight or flight response, helping creatures seem larger. This helps explain why sometimes emotions can result in goosebumps.

Further examples of our now-redundant features can be viewed in the video below.