Why are 9 out of 10 people right-handed? Gordy digs into the science, history, and evolution of handedness—exploring why right-handed dominance has persisted for hundreds of thousands of years. From brain lateralization and language evolution to archaeological evidence in Neanderthal teeth, this episode reveals how our species developed a powerful bias toward the right hand.Along the way, Gordy uncovers how chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates show similar preferences, how genes and culture have influenced handedness across generations, and why left-handedness has both been stigmatized and celebrated. From evolutionary cooperation and combat strategies to surprising modern advantages in sports, this story goes far beyond which hand you use to write.If you’ve ever wondered why most people are right-handed, this episode will change how you think about something as ordinary as picking up a pen.Sources:Corballis, M. C. (2014). Left Brain, Right Hand: The Origins of Handedness. Scientific American, 311(1), 36–41.Steele, J., & Uomini, N. (2009). Can the Archaeology of Manual Specialization Tell Us Anything about Language Evolution? Brain and Language, 108(3), 140–151.Lozano, M., et al. (2011). Right-Handedness in Neandertal Populations: Archaeological Evidence from the Iberian Peninsula. Laterality, 16(1), 51–69.Faurie, C., & Raymond, M. (2005). Handedness, Homicide, and Negative Frequency-Dependent Selection. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 272(1558), 25–28.McManus, I. C. (2009). The History and Geography of Human Handedness. In Language Lateralization and Psychosis. Cambridge University Press. #Handedness #RightHanded #LeftHanded #BrainScience #Evolution #DailyFacts #DidYouKnowMusic thanks to Zapsplat.

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