The human body reflects a long story of adaptation shaped by movement, environment, and survival over countless generations. Many features we use today were formed in a world very different from our own. What makes evolution so fascinating is how quietly it continues—changes happen slowly, often without notice, leaving behind subtle traces that still exist within our anatomy.
Although modern life has transformed how we work, travel, and interact, our bodies have not evolved at the same pace. Biological change moves gradually, while technology advances quickly. As a result, some physical traits that were once essential no longer play a major role. These features may vary from person to person or gradually become less common, all without affecting overall health or daily function.
One example appears in the wrist, where a small tendon known as the palmaris longus can sometimes be found. In early human ancestors and primates, this tendon supported gripping, climbing, and hanging—activities critical for survival. As humans adapted to life primarily on the ground and relied less on upper-body strength for movement, the tendon became less necessary.
Today, many people are born without this tendon, and its absence causes no limitations. You can check for it by turning your palm upward, touching your thumb to your pinky, and gently flexing your wrist. If a thin tendon appears, it’s present; if not, that’s perfectly normal. This simple variation serves as a quiet reminder that evolution is still at work, shaping the human body in small, observable ways even now.