Evolution Theory #1: A Hairy Hypothesis

Hello Batlings!

Ever notice those tiny hairs that grow on your arms? (or big hairs, depending on your gender and hormone balance); on me, most of those hairs are white, with a few patches being black.

         Remember, humans most likely had fur at one point, so the difference in coloration points to different markings, probably for identification, camouflage, and mating.

Now look at your head; you most likely have hair on it, hair which is not any of the colors you would find on your arms, right?

          Our head-hair is very different from fur; it can grow insanely long, it does not shed, and it takes a lot of upkeep to remain healthy.

My theory? Just like many beasts, humans had a large, sticks-out-like-a-sore-thumb, hard-to-take-care-of, thing.

           More specifically, a ‘mane’ of sorts, which would be bigger and a different color than the rest of the fur; the ‘mane’ would most likely be used for one, or more, of the following:

1. Mating: The ‘mane’ requires a lot of upkeep, meaning those with the healthiest manes would have a lot of time for upkeep, suggesting that they were good at getting food, staying alive, etc.

             Examples: many animals display their colors, plumage, or manes during mating dances, such as birds of paradise.

2. Rank: Many beasts use manes, or similar things, to express their rank, age, and maturity.

             Examples: Gorillas, with their silver-backs, or lions, with their manes.

3. Family: Humans are more likely to have a similar hair color and/or type to other family members, suggesting that the human ‘mane’ could have been used to identify family groups.

              Examples: Dog patterns, zebra stripes, the fact that two blond-haired people will be more likely to have a blond-haired child.

4. Temperature: The ‘mane’ could have been used to regulate temperature, explaining why hair will get darker or lighter depending on the average amount of sunlight.

               Examples: Look it up! Hair really does change color depending on the temperature (at least, that’s how it’s always worked in my family); hair style and length can play into it as well.

5. Senses: Long hair has already been proven to help with the ability to track, and to sense the world around them.

               Examples: A group of trackers was hired by the military, which meant they had to cut their hair; after their hair was cut, they lost most of their tracking ability (please, DON’T take my word for it, look it up).