Not by being opposable — apes and many monkeys have opposable thumbs — but by being exceptionally long, strong and flexible.
The large forepaws have two opposable digits (the first and second, which are opposable to the other three) that allow them to grasp small branches.
The thumb also differs in having much freedom of movement and being opposable to tips of other digits.
The giant panda has a special bone formation of the forefoot that functions as a sixth digit; it is opposable to the other five and thus is useful in handling bamboo.
Although partially crushed, and covered laterally by the entocuneiform, metatarsal I appears to be saddle-shaped, indicating that the hallux was opposable.
The only requirements for use are opposable thumbs.
The first digit of the feet and hands was set off from the rest and may have been opposable.
The thumb, by contrast, is opposable and flexible, and has been designed for manifold uses, he said.
The feet are strong and clawed; the two inner digits of the front feet and the innermost digit of the hind feet are opposable for grasping.
The big toe is opposable and is smaller than the big toe of other lemurs, which are more arboreal.
This articulation is clearly saddle-shaped, indicating beyond doubt that the thumb was opposable.
