Many scientists think about this problem by stroking its lower jaw. Bony prominence that extends slightly below the chin, It’s unique to humans and researchers have been theorizing about it for years.

How does such a distinguishing feature come about? unique to the human species in the entire animal kingdom Can it be dissolved if? If you’re ready, let’s take a look at the theories.

The most distinguishing feature unique to the human species is the tip of the chin.

Consider our closest genetic relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas. Even they do not have protrusions of the lower jaw. It runs downwards and backwards from the front teeth. Even other species that lived in ancient times, such as Neanderthals, There were no chin tips.

If we look at the condition of the human species after its separation from the chimpanzees, “This trait is unique to the human species.” The only distinguishing feature that could be said was the chin.

The most accepted theory has to do with chewing.

The jaw is a topic that causes great disagreement among researchers in evolutionary biology. Therefore, no theory can be considered certain. The first of these theories is that our ancestors developed a chin point by strengthening their lower jaw to resist chewing. However, some scientists suggest that the jaw is not the place that enhances chewing.

According to another theory, the jaw evolved for language use.

As the language developed, our speaking and communication skills also evolved. Although using the tongue requires certain movements of the jaw and jaw muscles Whether evolutionary development directly influenced the jaw point The issue is still controversial.

Although some claim that the tip of the chin developed with the use of the tongue only for language use There are also scientists who claim that it is not possible for the tip of the chin to be developed to this extent.

Let’s talk about sexual selection.

Sexual selection also turns out to be a completely different theory. Some properties, Because it is attractive to the opposite sex can develop. The shape of the jaw can also give signals about the partner.

For example, women prefer men with wide chins because they think they have good genes. The same goes for a woman’s narrow chin, high estrogen levels can point out. Furthermore, although there is a slight difference when comparing the chins of men and women, it appears that men have a more prominent chin.

According to some researchers, this difference eliminates theories that the tip of the jaw evolved for speaking or chewing, because if that were the case The jaw develops in the same way in both sexes should have.

There’s even a possibility that it’s there for no reason!

Our jaw may also be an evolutionary byproduct of a change in another characteristic. While having a longer face and chin appearance Such a feature may have remained due to shrinkage over time as our posture changes and our face shortens.

But we can test the byproduct theory to see it as fact. because there isn’t enough evidence This remains only at a theoretical level. Which reason seems most logical to you? Write in the comments!

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