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Where Did Curly Hair Come From? Biological Anthropology May Provide Insights
Feb 21, 2025
Tina Lasisi, a biological anthropologist from the University of Michigan, dives into the evolution of human hair, particularly curls. She discusses why humans, unlike other mammals, have less body hair and the role of melanin in skin variation. Tina explores the genetic factors behind differing hair textures, including intriguing insights from "chemo curls." Their conversation reveals how hair can reflect health issues and captures the complex interplay between genetics and environmental adaptation throughout human history.
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Quick takeaways
- Human hair characteristics, including curliness, have evolved due to a combination of environmental adaptations and natural selection mechanisms.
- Research on hair texture changes during puberty and aging can offer valuable insights into endocrine effects and overall health monitoring.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Human Hair and Skin Variability
Human hair and skin exhibit remarkable variability due to both natural selection and environmental adaptations. Early ancestors, who were largely hairless, developed darker skin to protect against damaging UV radiation, while those in lower radiation areas faced challenges in vitamin D synthesis. More recently, cultural adaptations like sunscreen and diet have enabled different populations to thrive in varied environments without immediate evolutionary changes. The complexity of hair's evolution remains less understood, with research indicating that tightly curled hair may provide some thermal regulation benefits, yet the exact mechanisms behind hair curliness are still being explored.
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