Chapter 2: A Hand's - On World

As Shubin progresses throughout the novel, I get more interested with the facts of evolution and anatomy he explains to the readers. For example, this chapter focused on the anatomy and evolution of hands. He expressed the utter importance of hands in today's world and how it is perfect for the way we live. I already knew the fact that all hands and limbs in organisms are structurally similar due to evolution. What I did not know was the origin of the hand/limb; but who would've guessed it came from ancient fish (hence the title of the novel). Our hands and limbs do not come from only one fish, but from multiple types. The Tiktaalik the early stages of evolution in our wrists, palm, and finger area while the Eusthenopteron provided for our upper arms and legs. The most interesting thing about the chapter was that Tiktaalik could do push-ups. When I read that I kept thinking about how cool that is. I seriously would want this fish thing if it wasn't extinct. But more importantly, I learned a lot about the origin of our hands, its function, and how it came to be today. Without these fish, I wouldn't be typing right now! HAHA! Another chapter dedicated to my learning experience and awe about anatomy and its connections.



P.S. Mr. Tisor, I'm posting Chapters 2 and 3 prior to their due dates because I cannot access the internet starting from June 22 to July 13.



- Bryan Munar