Ken Fabos writes:I think that in order to assess the relative advantages and disadvantages in an evolutionary fitness sense this function needs due consideration. If you know of any articles, papers or discussions that give the sensory function of hairs due consideration I would like to know.
This isn't anything that I have gone out of my way to study, so I don't know of any articles.
There is a lot of variability between people over the amount of body hair, and that variability argues against it being of evolutionary significance.
Ken Fabos writes:The fine hairs on face around eyes and on outer ears are particularly sensitive to small intrusions and help prevent damage to those vital organs.
In my case, I am inclined to think that the sensitivity of the skin in those regions is sufficient protection against insects. Where I mainly benefit is on the arms and legs where there is less skin sensitivity and the sensitivity of the hairs is what alerts me to mosquitoes and other insects.
™ Version 4.2