2019-10-29

[public] 2.35M views, 37.7K likes, dislikes audio only

TED-Ed

Discover the evolutionary purpose of nails, and explore the theories of why they evolved from claws over 55 million years ago.

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Consider the claw. Frequently found on animals around the world, it’s one of nature’s most versatile tools. Bears use claws for digging as well as defense. An eagle’s needle-like talons can pierce the skulls of their prey. Even the ancestors of primates used to wield these impressive appendages, until their claws evolved into nails. So what caused this adaptation? Matthew Borths investigates.

Lesson by Matthew Borths, directed by Augenblick Studios.

Animator's website: https://www.augenblickstudios.com

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View full lesson: https://ed.ted.com/lessons/claws-vs-nails-matthew-borths

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