• Question: Why do Asian's have reduced body hair?

    Asked by fisherjwh to Helen, Jenni, Mark, Martin, Stu on 23 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Helen O'Connor

      Helen O'Connor answered on 23 Jun 2011:

      In general humans are one of the most hairless of all mammals – rhinos and elephants also have very little hair.

      I think the variation in hairiness amongst humans is the result of an evolutionary adaptation to dealing with different temperatures in different climates 1000s of years ago. White people originated from colder climates so we developed a hairier body which carries on today. Asian people orginated from warmer climates so they developed less hair.

      We live all over the world in different climates now so the hair thing isnt so necessary – but with air-conditioning, heating and different types of clothes, we dont have to evolve different body hair any more to cope with the weather or climate.

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