9+ Interesting Facts About Left-Handedness in Animals

Have you ever wondered what the facts about left-handedness in animals are or do they have preferences? Scientists have conducted numerous studies to understand pawedness and clawedness in animals ranging from lizards to apes. To your surprise, scientists have found that about 51% of species prefer one limb for different tasks. This surely sounds similar to some people holding a pen using their right hand. So, if you are one of the left-handed people on this planet who celebrate International Lefthanders Day, here are some interesting facts about left-handedness in animals.

Facts About Left-Handedness in Animals

1. Some studies show that many animals show handedness or limb preferences. 

2. Left-pawedness is more common in cats than in humans. In a study conducted in 2019, 54% of cats were right-pawed and 46% were left-pawed. 

3. Dogs are more likely to be left-handed than humans. A study found that 53% of dogs were right-pawed and 47% were left-pawed. 

4. A 2010 study of the eastern Pacific leatherback turtle showed that turtles prefer to use their right hindlimb flipper to cover the eggs with sand. 

Also Read- 50 Interesting Animal Facts That Will Amaze You!

5. Elephants are also considered right-tusked or left-tusked as they prefer one tusk over the other for tasks like breaking branches.

6. A study of the Japanese blue crab showed that crabs preferred to crack shells using their right claws. 

7. Another study of the eight-armed octopuses showed that they have a preference to use one specific arm to reach into the maze and receive a food reward. 

8. Scientists observed that dolphins, when diving close to the sea bed, turned on the right side of their body. Due to their tubular shape, turning right means that they have a strong left-side bias. 

Also Read: Top 10 Facts About Endangered Animals

9. Although gorillas and chimpanzees are mostly right-handed, orangutans, on the other hand, are lefties. 

10. One study observed that most parrots are left-footed or right-footed when they use their feet to hold their food. It also showed that large cockatoos are left-footed. 

11. Many people consider polar bears left-handed. They first sneak up on prey covering their noses with their right paw and then use their left paw to attack them. 

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FAQs

Which animal is mostly left-handed?

Some studies show that various animals like cats, dogs, elephants, and even the Japanese blue crab have a preference for their left side. Similarly, some studies show that gorillas, baboons, and even orangutans are mostly left-handed.

What is unique about left-handers?

One unique thing about left-handed people is they recover their speech or speaking abilities quickly after a stroke.

What is the science behind left-handedness?

It is believed that hand preference originated as a part of the developmental process in our bodies. Some scientists suggest that there can be different explanations such as birth complications and the use of ultrasound during pregnancy. 

Hope you had fun reading these interesting facts about left-handedness in animals. If you like reading about facts, you can visit our interesting facts page to read more such blogs.