Final answer:
The capacity to touch the thumb to the tips of other fingers is termed opposability, which is crucial for grip and manipulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to touch the thumb with the tips of the other fingers on the same hand is called opposability. This is a unique characteristic allowing primates, including humans, to grasp and manipulate objects effectively. Opposability is the movement that brings the tip of the thumb into contact with the tips of other fingers, a movement made possible by the first carpometacarpal joint at the base of the thumb. This dexterity, coupled with the precise control we have over our finger movements, is also a key reason why some primates, like capuchin monkeys, can assist humans with daily tasks.