Notes and queriesThe long-running series in which readers address other readers concerns on subjects ranging from unimportant flights of expensive to extensive clinical and philosophical conceptsWhat evolutionary benefit comes from ladies having considerably less body hair than males? LloronaWhat I was taught when I was younger was that body hair, specifically pubic hair, is implied to work as a kind of launch pad for scents. DewinDwlLess hair suggests fewer parasites/fleas/ticks, lower danger of vector-related bacterial, parasitic or viral illness, which is most likely a benefit for a nursing mother and her kid in a cave.More hair, much better insulation, higher tolerance to cold, which is most likely an advantage for a hunter-gatherer.
Notes and queriesThe long-running series in which readers address other readers questions on topics varying from minor flights of fancy to profound clinical and philosophical conceptsWhat evolutionary benefit comes from women having significantly less body hair than males? LloronaWhat I was taught when I was younger was that body hair, especially pubic hair, is indicated to work as a kind of launch pad for pheromones. DewinDwlLess hair indicates less parasites/fleas/ticks, lower risk of vector-related bacterial, parasitic or viral illness, which is probably a benefit for a nursing mother and her child in a cave.More hair, better insulation, higher tolerance to cold, which is probably an advantage for a hunter-gatherer. Male animal species are typically more flamboyant, so a spectacular hair display screen may make a more appealing mate for a woman, as it might be a sign of greater testosterone levels, strength and dominance.One of the things I can not understand is if there is indeed any evolutionary advantage of being shortsighted (not being able to see plainly for range without glasses). Hair by itself likely gives no evolutionary advantage, its not an adaptation.