Why do men have facial hair, what is the reason?

Question

I know it's because of hormones. But in evolution what is the purpose of facial hair? Is it so that males were more recognisable? It could be used against them in a fight? For some reason they are more suseptable to cold?

Just curious what the design is intended for

Answer 1

Maybe the same reason a Lion has a mane. Not sure what the function is. Men were the hunters so they probably spent more time outside in harsh conditions. So, we need more protection from the elements than women. I guess more facial hair and body hair works kind of like "fur" on a dog or cat.

Answer 2

To tickle your inner thighs.

Answer 3

Both men and women have hair over the majority of their bodies, but men have far more testosterone and a side effect of this testosterone is that men have thicker and more coarse hair.

Edit: Women do have hair on their faces but 'facial hair' usually referrs to hair that can form a vissible moustache or beard.

We are relatively hairless compared to other mammals because at one point, humans ancestors began to use intricate tools which meant that individuals with less hair on their hands could do things better and then pass on their genes if their tools allowed them to catch more food, and also because humans started to cover themselves up so having hair was no longer an evolutionary advantage.

The point about the lions mane again relates to testosterone levels. It is the female lions that hunt for food. Male lions save their strength and health to fend off rival males.

Answer 4

Some scientists believe it has to do with Sexual Selection

http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/education/as...

Answer 5

I would guess it as a weak form of armour. It does something to obscure the vulnerable neck which is what an animal might go for with it's claws.

Answer 6

Male hormone - andgrogen - testosterone.

Answer 7

Just totally guessing here, but probably for the same reason they have body hair (warmth etc). It's probably more a case of why do women not have facial hair. Other female mammals have hair on their faces.

Answer 8

Complete guesses here :

1. Gave them some protection from the extreme weather (cold)

2. Helped them blend well with the terrain (trees bushes etc)

3. Gave them a little bit of a fearful appearance (?) to animals.