Ulrich Doering/Alamy
Why do humans have pubic hair, when other “hairless” mammals, like pigs and elephants, manage without it? (continued)
Glyn Watkins
Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK
My understanding is that pubic hair evolved to help humans smell more, like the wick in a fragrance lamp. Without pubic hair, pheromones produced by humans would evaporate away with sweat. The fact that pubic hair covers our smelliest bits can’t be a coincidence.
To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the…
