Dr. Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist, explains the evolutionary mysteries of human hair. She discusses why humans have scalp hair and why curly hair is unique. Topics include the evolution of hair to reduce heat, diversity in human hair, and the transition from cultural to biological anthropology.
Human scalp hair reflects evolutionary efficiency in successful solutions to environmental challenges.
Tightly coiled human hair may have evolved as a strategic response to environmental pressure, aiding in heat regulation.
Deep dives
Evolutionary Considerations of Human Hair and Evolutionary Adaptations
Humans stand out among mammals for having hair predominantly on their heads. This unique feature reflects evolutionary efficiency, signaling convergent evolution's repeated application of successful solutions. Dr. Tina Lassisi's research delves into the genetic underpinnings of human hair variation. Through examining fossil evidence and genetic clues, Lassisi unravels how hair, along with skin pigmentation, shaped human evolution, impacting brain development and functionality.
Functionality of Curly Hair in Reducing Heat Gain
Research by Dr. Tina Lassisi and Nina Jablonski explores the unique properties of tightly coiled hair in humans. Contrary to common perceptions, tightly coiled hair may act as a natural protection against excess solar radiation. Experiments utilizing robots and hair wigs demonstrated that the curlier the hair, the greater the reduction in heat absorption from solar radiation. Thus, tightly coiled human hair texture may have evolved as a strategic response to environmental pressure, aiding in heat regulation.
Hair Texture Versus Solar Radiation Protection
Dr. Lassisi clarifies distinctions between hair and fur, highlighting the unique structure of human hair. Unlike wool or fur, human hair exhibits helical curls that create airspace for better heat dissipation. Through experimentation and analysis of hair properties, the study emphasizes the functional benefits of curly human hair in regulating solar radiation. This understanding challenges traditional notions of how coat color influences heat absorption and stands as a testament to the evolutionary adaptability of human hair.
Significance of Hair Study and Future Research Directions
Dr. Lassisi's exploration of human hair evolution from an evolutionary biology perspective uncovers profound insights into our unique traits. By operationalizing the study of hair texture's nuances, she unravels the interconnectedness of hair morphology with environmental adaptations. As an emerging field, evolutionary hair research offers promising avenues for understanding human evolution, health, and diversity. Dr. Lassisi's ongoing investigations into sexual dichromatism and hair variations across primates hint at the fruitful discoveries that lie ahead in unraveling the complexities of hair evolution.
Why do humans have most of our hair on our heads, not our bodies? Why do we have so many varieties of hair color, thickness, and curliness? Dr. Tina Lasisi is a biological anthropologist whose work explores these evolutionary mysteries. In this episode, she shares her research into why humans have scalp hair as well as her insights on why curly hair is uniquely human.
Origin Stories is a project of The Leakey Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to human origins research and education.
Donate to support the show. Your gift will be quadruple-matched! Click here to give!
This episode was produced by Ray Pang. Our editor is Audrey Quinn. Theme music by Henry Nagle, additional music by Blue Dot Sessions and Lee Roservere.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode