The secret to chimp strength (power, Neanderthals)

[Brian.Pearson]

Our surplus motor neurons allow us to engage smaller portions of our muscles at any given time. We can engage just a few muscle fibers for delicate tasks like threading a needle, and progressively more for tasks that require more force. Conversely, since chimps have fewer motor neurons, each neuron triggers a higher number of muscle fibers. So using a muscle becomes more of an all-or-nothing proposition for chimps. As a result, chimps often end up using more muscle than they need.

[Lucario]

So it's a case of chimps having a much higher degree of neuromuscular efficiency than humans.......

[Brian.Pearson]

I think the lack of fine motor control may have something to do with why they can't speak. Just a thought.

[Mathguy]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

Our surplus motor neurons allow us to engage smaller portions of our muscles at any given time. We can engage just a few muscle fibers for delicate tasks like threading a needle, and progressively more for tasks that require more force. Conversely, since chimps have fewer motor neurons, each neuron triggers a higher number of muscle fibers. So using a muscle becomes more of an all-or-nothing proposition for chimps. As a result, chimps often end up using more muscle than they need.

I'm confused. They may use more muscle than they need but it doesn't explain the fact that a comparably sized male human at full exertion can't begin to do some of the same physical things. Perhaps it helps them build muscle density in addition to a natural proclivity towards muscle density or something like that?

Realistically, I've seen 250lb chimps easily swing about with more speed and power than an olympic calibre gymnast weighing a fraction of their weight.

[Six Foot Three]

Originally Posted by Brian.Pearson

I think the lack of fine motor control may have something to do with why they can't speak. Just a thought.

Well it could be they lack the same genes for voice as humans have i.e. the FOXP2 gene that allows us to speak and i know there's some controversy as to whether or not the Neanderthals carried this gene to speak.