Humans are the only primates whose bodies are covered
by mostly naked skin, not by fur. The evolution of our oddly bare bodies has
been crucial in the development of other human traits. In the February issue of
Scientific American, Penn State anthropologist Nina Jablonski writes
about the evolutionary origins of human hairlessness.
Mammals possess ample body fur for insulation, protection from external elements, and social signaling. Though various underground or aquatic mammals have also evolved hairlessness, human hairlessness is unique because it evolved to help our bodies stay cool. As Dr. Jablonski explains, the changing environment our ancestors faced 1.6 million years ago necessitated more trekking in search of food and fresh water. To help regulate body temperature during elevated levels of activity, early humans shed their fur. An excerpt from her article "Evolution: The Naked Truth" is at: http://www.scientificamerican.com/sciammag/
Mammals possess ample body fur for insulation, protection from external elements, and social signaling. Though various underground or aquatic mammals have also evolved hairlessness, human hairlessness is unique because it evolved to help our bodies stay cool. As Dr. Jablonski explains, the changing environment our ancestors faced 1.6 million years ago necessitated more trekking in search of food and fresh water. To help regulate body temperature during elevated levels of activity, early humans shed their fur. An excerpt from her article "Evolution: The Naked Truth" is at: http://www.scientificamerican.com/sciammag/
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