708 Million Lefties Worldwide:
Left-handedness is a relatively common trait, with an estimated 708 million people worldwide identifying as left-handed. This accounts for approximately 9.2% of the global population, as observed in a comprehensive study involving over 2.3.
Genetic Influence:
The origins of left-handedness are intricately linked to genetics. While children of left-handed parents are more likely to be left-handed themselves, the inheritance pattern is not straightforward, implicating multiple genetic factors.
Men More Likely
Studies indicate that men are slightly more predisposed to left-handedness than women, with a marginal difference of about 2%. The reasons behind this gender disparity remain under investigation, with hypotheses ranging.
Womb Development
The preference for left or right hand dominance begins to manifest even before birth. Ultrasound studies have shown that by around 15 weeks of gestation, a substantial majority of fetuses exhibit a preference for sucking their right thumb.
Early Life Factors
Beyond genetics, various environmental and early life factors influence the development of handedness. Studies have identified associations between left-handedness and factors such as birth weight, birth season, breastfeeding.
Uncertain Handedness in Preschoolers
Left-handedness is a relatively common trait, with an estimated 708 million people worldwide identifying as left-handed. This accounts for approximately 9.2% of the global population, as observed.
Footedness and Handedness
While handedness refers to the preference for using one hand over the other, a similar preference—footedness—exists for feet. Interestingly, not all left-handers are left-footed; studies have shown that only a portion of left-handers exhibit.