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Sean Kernan
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Who would win in an arm wrestling match: A chimp or a power lifter?
Chimps are ferociously strong—but not to the extent that is often reported, showing them being 6x stronger.
It’s closer to 2–3x (on a pound-for-pound basis). They don’t have the same motor control movements with their hands. Humans have dexterity, and precision, at the cost of strength.
Arm wrestling requires wrist and hand control, and is a very precise movement believe it or not (I watch tons of arm wrestling competitions). The chimp wouldn’t win against a powerlifter, who has presumably arm-wrestled some before.
The thing is, as a matter of mechanics, the chimp would be confused by the whole thing. But don’t let that confuse you about their power. They are shockingly strong, and designed to fly up trees with ease during fights, and when chasing much smaller monkeys to eat.
You see that when you see how hairless chimps look.
If they arm wrestled, it would quickly devolve to the chimp rag-dolling the guy around the room.
There’s no reality where you want to be involved in a physical contest involving contact with an alpha male chimp, as that could lead to you getting maimed.
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