Everything Everywhere Daily All About Hair
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Jun 11, 2025 Explore the fascinating world of hair and its vital functions in mammals. Discover how hair helps with temperature regulation and protection from the environment. Dive into the science behind hair color and texture, influenced by genetics and melanin. Uncover the evolutionary theories surrounding human hair, including intriguing concepts like the aquatic ape hypothesis. Finally, learn about the unique adaptations seen in animal fur compared to human strands.
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Hair's Evolutionary Role in Mammals
- Hair is unique to mammals and serves mostly for insulation and temperature control.
- It helped mammals survive cold environments where reptiles could not thrive.
Melanin Explains Hair Color
- Hair color stems from two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin.
- Black hair is most common with about 85% of the population, while red hair is rare, at only about 1%.
How Hair Texture Develops
- Hair texture depends on the shape of the hair follicle and its angle.
- Round follicles yield straight hair; oval or twisted follicles create curls or kinks.