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Why are some people left-handed? - Daniel M. Abrams

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36,867 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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Today, about one-tenth of the world’s population are southpaws. Why are such a small proportion of people left-handed -- and why does the trait exist in the first place? Daniel M. Abrams investigates how the uneven ratio of lefties and righties gives insight into a balance between competitive and cooperative pressures on human evolution.

Which pairing of parent handedness gives the best chance of their offspring being left-handed?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Daniel M. Abrams
  • Director Lisa LaBracio
  • Animation Artist Krystal Downs
  • Sound Designer Michael Dow
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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