Saturday, June 23, 2012

How mammals lost their hair

14:51 22 June 2012

Humans are often described as "naked apes," but we are not the only mammals to have lost our furry coats. Hair is one of the classifying characteristics of these animals, but sometimes there are good reasons why bald is best. Kate Douglas

Read more: "Why haven't bald men gone extinct?"

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Cetaceans, which include whales and dolphins, evolved around 34?million years ago from land mammals. Their lack of hair is an adaptation to aquatic life, making them more streamlined and so more efficient swimmers. To replace the insulation of a fur coat they have evolved a thick layer of subcutaneous fat.

(Image: Carlos Villoch/SplashdownDirect/Rex Features)

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