What is the evolutionary point of armpit hair?

Question

i know most hair on our body is used to help protect us from bugs and parasites, but what is the point of the longer hair that grows under our arms?

Answer 1

it helps with thermoregulation of the body

it stops the sweat running off, so that it can evaporate and cool the body.

Answer 2

Several rationals have been proposed.

Since this hair develops at the age of puberty it could serve as a visual indication of sexual maturity.  Similarly it could also serve to collect pheromones produced in this area of the body.

As with other hair at rubbing joints on the body it is thought to serve to limit friction during movement.

Answer 3

If you're going to preach at least answer the question. Evolution has been pretty much proven, and science isn't a lie. But enough of my ranting.

We don't actually have armpit hair for any reason today but I can give you some when we did need it:

- to prevent friction between the upper arm and the thorax.,

- because of the time of it's development it suggests association with sexuality.

- something for a child to "grab onto",

- to absorb sweating and body smell (although that could also be a purpose for present time).

I hope I helped :)

Answer 4

So if you try to suffocate someone with an incredibly smelly armpit, you have something to cushion their face to stop their breathing

/\ /\ /\

TRUTH

Answer 5

The correct answer is that there is no selection against axillary hair.  This includes sexual selection.  If people with such hair were less likely to reproduce, there would be selective pressure to lose it.  However, people with axillary hair (the vast majority of humans) reproduce successfully.  That's how evolution works.