The process of evolution is so fascinating to learn if we notice that the lowest rim of ‘the hand bowl’ is at the proximal part between the thenar eminences. It has a matching width to that of the oral commissure and has a concavity that conforms to the placement of the lower lip when the hands are raised to drink water.
Another unique feature of the human hand is making of ‘a bowl’ by cupping both hands together to scoop water in the wilderness for drinking. Cupping shows the integrity of the finger intrinsics, adductor pollicis, APB and FPB raising the thenar eminence, opponens forming a firm rim, all working in unison with long flexors and wrist extensors (all 3 nerves in action), aided by the anatomical configuration of the metacarpal arch with more mobile CMC joints on the radial than ulnar side and the restraining of the volar skin by the palmar aponeurosis. The evolution of the thumb with the capabilities you described is ‘the hallmark of mankind’. The homunculus reserved for it by its master, the brain with its own proliferating intelligence, has undoubtedly given the dominance to the human to rule the earth.
