Brain and Body

Why Are So Few People Left-handed?

November 3, 2015 | Johannes Van Zijl

Photo credit: It’s Okay To Be Smart/Youtube

We have two identical hands, so when it comes to handedness you might wonder why the overwhelming majority use their right hand for everyday tasks like writing, using a pair of scissors or throwing a baseball.

Research suggests that left-handedness occurs in only 10% of the population, that is 1 in every 10 individuals. So why are so few people left-handed? The science behind handedness draws upon some interesting theories, pointing towards evolution and genetics to try and comprehend why so many more people are right handed and not left. You might be surprised by the explanation in this video by It's Okay to be Smart.

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