知识百科：为什么中指最长？

英语自学网

　　为什么我们的五个手指中，中指最长?是进化过程中的对称原则?还是为了握拳的方便?下面这篇文章将为您解开疑惑。
        　　No one has a firm grasp as to why the middle finger, the impedicus, is the
longest finger on each hand.
        　　This Latin word, in translation, means impudent, bold, and immodest, but
points us in the wrong direction in solving this mystery, as the name, and
thelewdgestures commonly made with this finger, in no way explain its
length.
        　　The impedicus itself has a Latin name for being the longest, which is
mesaxonic, meaning middle axis. Mesaxonic lends a little more assistance in the
quest for an explanation for the middle finger's length.
        　　Evolutionary physiologists cling to the symmetry theory, based upon their
studies of the evolutionary reasons for the inner workings of animals' bodies.
Experts in this field hold that the longer third finger is most likely a vestige
of our ancestors' paws, and state the need for balance as the primary reason for
its length.
        　　Their esteemed colleagues, evolutionarymorphologists, who study the
evolutionary aspects of the shape and of the structures of bodies, also adhere
to the theory of symmetry, but tack an additional aspect onto this theory, one
they refer to as the "geometry of closing." The geometry of closing is merely
scientific jargon for the fact that when the hand closes to form a fist, all
fingers touch the palm of the hand at the same time. This way, when they grasp
an object, they all share the work equally. Simply put, the fingers on our hands
differ in length, because this particular shape works so well, and has done so
for millions of years.
        　　Anthropologists, in general, disagree with the balancing act behind the
theory of symmetry. Their underlying reason for disputing this theory is that,
in their studies of human evolution, they have encountered other primates, man's
closest, hairiest relatives, who have longer fourth fingers. Anthropologists,
however, do not pose a counter theory to the most commonly held one. Until they
do, the theory of symmetry wins hands down!
        　　lewd: 下流的
        　　morphologists: 形态学者