Long Fingers and Curved Claws:
Gibbons possess extraordinarily long fingers compared to their body size, allowing them to reach distant branches and grasp objects with precision. These elongated digits provide them with extra reach during brachiation and offer stability while navigating through the trees. Additionally, their curved claws, known as nails rather than sharp claws, aid in gripping and climbing.
Opposable Thumbs:
Like humans, gibbons have opposable thumbs, which play a crucial role in their arboreal movements and tool manipulation. Their thumbs can rotate and touch the tips of their other fingers, enabling them to perform various tasks such as holding onto branches, grasping food items, and constructing crude tools.
Pad-Like Fingertips:
The tips of gibbon's fingers and thumbs are covered with soft, pad-like structures instead of sharp claws. These pads enhance their grip and provide traction, allowing them to securely hold onto branches while brachiating and navigating the complex forest environment.
Strong Flexor Muscles:
Gibbons have exceptionally strong flexor muscles in their hands and forearms. These muscles enable them to grip branches with great strength, allowing them to suspend their bodies and propel themselves through the trees.
Hooked Wrist Bones:
Gibbon's wrist bones have a unique hook-like shape that allows them to anchor their wrists around branches when swinging through the trees. This adaptation adds extra stability and security during their acrobatic movements.
Overall, the specialized hands of gibbons, with their long fingers, curved claws, opposable thumbs, pad-like fingertips, strong flexor muscles, and hooked wrist bones, enhance their ability to brachiate and move efficiently through their arboreal habitat.