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Fur is used to refer to the body covering of animals although sometimes when the covering is coarse or sparse it is called hair. The term "fur," is usually used when referencing non-human mammals, i.e., animals. Just like human hair, animal fur is also made from keratin protein. Animal furs grow in a synchronized manner and they stop growing after it reaches a certain length. The fur of animals serves many purposes, they function as an insulator, camouflage helps differentiate males and females, helps attract mates, etc. In addition, animal furs have thermal regulating properties and help to the animals warm during winters and cold during summers.
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Her videos about dinosaurs, astrophysics, biodiversity and evolution appear in museums and science centers worldwide, earning awards such as the CINE Golden Eagle and the Communicator Award of Excellence. Her writing has also appeared in Scientific American, The Washington Post and How It Works Magazine. Considering that mammals are so reliant on their fur, it's no wonder that they also work hard to keep it in good condition.
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Our own hair — even though we don't call it "fur" — is an intrinsic part of our mammalian heritage, though perhaps we have less of it overall than some of our fuzzy friends. The dull, dirty or matted fur also sends a warning signal to prospective mammal mates, he added. "Strong, healthy mammals have glossy coats, while sick mammals have shabby-looking coats."
Hair Adaptations
Fur, Wool, Hair: What's the Difference? - Livescience.com
Fur, Wool, Hair: What's the Difference?.
Posted: Wed, 11 May 2016 07:00:00 GMT [source]
If a mammal has only ground hair, they are said to have "hair." If a mammal has both ground hair and guard hair, they are said to have "furs." Human hairs do not serve specific purposes. They help to regulate the body temperature in animals, help to distinguish between males and females of a species, help in camouflage, help to resist moisture, helps to attract mates, etc. Hats and coats are still required while doing outdoor activities in cold weather to prevent frostbite and hypothermia, but the hair on the human body does help to keep the internal temperature regulated.
The awn hair's thin basal portion does not allow the amount of piloerection that the stiffer guard hairs are capable of. Mammals with well-developed down and guard hairs also usually have large numbers of awn hairs, which may even sometimes be the bulk of the visible coat. As evolution progressed, these proto-fur structures evolved into more complex and specialized forms, adapting to the unique ecological niches occupied by different mammalian lineages. Fur not only provided insulation but also played a pivotal role in camouflage, enabling predators to stalk their prey effectively and prey animals or dogs to evade detection. On animals, the hair all seems to be a fixed length to us because their cycle is relatively shorter when compared to ours, and so the mistake of differentiating fur from hair is made.
The topmost layer of the guard hair helps the animals to display or camouflage, water-repelling, protection from ultraviolet radiation, protection of skin from cuts and scratches, and others. The oily guard hair covering the top of the fur helps in resisting the contact of moisture to the skin of the animals. Fur has long served as a source of clothing for humans, including Neanderthals. Historically, it was worn for its insulating quality, with aesthetics becoming a factor over time. Pelts were worn in or out, depending on their characteristics and desired use. Today fur and trim used in garments may be dyed bright colors or to mimic exotic animal patterns, or shorn close like velvet.
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Definition and Composition
When the body is too cold, the arrector pili muscles found attached to hair follicles stand up, causing the hair in these follicles to do the same. These hairs then form a heat-trapping layer above the epidermis. The opposite actions occur when the body is too warm; the arrector muscles make the hair lie flat on the skin which allows heat to leave. There are broadly two types of hair, guard hair, and ground hair. If a mammal has only one of these (ground hair), they are said to have hair.
These are covered with thick plates of keratin and serve as protection against predators. Thick hair such as that of the lion's mane and grizzly bear's fur do offer some protection from physical damages such as bites and scratches. All natural hair colors are the result of two types of hair pigments. Both of these pigments are melanin types, produced inside the hair follicle and packed into granules found in the fibers. Eumelanin is the dominant pigment in brown hair and black hair, while pheomelanin is dominant in red hair.
The Fur and Hair Industry
These ethical concerns have prompted a reevaluation of practices within the fur industry. Some stakeholders have shifted toward more humane and responsible methods of fur sourcing, while others have transitioned to alternative materials. This shift towards ethical sourcing and consumer preferences aligned with compassionate practices is likely to continue shaping the fur industry's future. If you’re a dog lover who’s ever dealt with allergies, you’ve probably heard of the idea that certain dog breeds may be “hypoallergenic,” or less prone to provoking a leaky nose in owners.
Throughout the course of evolution, animals have developed various adaptations related to their hair and fur. These adaptations have enabled them to better adapt to their surroundings, ensuring their survival and success in their ecosystems. Eumelanin is responsible for darker colors, like black or brown, while pheomelanin produces lighter colors, such as red or blonde. The amount and distribution of these pigments in the hair or fur shaft determine its overall color. Additionally, factors like genetics, diet, and exposure to sunlight can influence the intensity and vibrancy of the color.
Additionally, fur can play a role in sensory perception, allowing animals to detect changes in their environment through touch. Texture also plays a role in the variations we see in hair and fur. Some animals have smooth and silky hair, while others have coarse and wiry fur. This difference in texture can be attributed to the structure of the hair shaft and the presence of certain proteins.
The following elucidation serves to expound upon these distinguishing features, shedding light on the fundamental dissimilarities inherent to fur and hair. The functions of hair encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from sensory perception to thermal regulation. In humans, hair provides sensory functions by detecting touch and environmental stimuli. It also contributes to thermal regulation by insulating the body and providing protection against UV radiation. But in warmer climates, larger mammal species tend to have sparser coverings of hair, as big animals are generally able to maintain their core body temperatures without much insulation, Voss said.
The manufacturing of fur clothing involves obtaining animal pelts where the hair is left on the animal's processed skin. In contrast, making leather involves removing the hair from the hide or pelt and using only the skin. Fur may consist of three layers, each with a different type of hair. The endangered animal, the pangolin, has what looks like scales that are actually hair. A different theory is that hair enhances the sense of touch, like whiskers do, for example.
Furthermore, plant-based and recycled materials are emerging as eco-conscious alternatives to traditional fur and hair products. These innovations align with the growing demand for sustainable and cruelty-free options in the fashion and beauty industries. The future of fur and hair also lies in innovation and the development of alternatives. The advancement of technology has enabled the creation of synthetic fur materials that closely mimic the properties of natural fur without ethical and environmental concerns. Similarly, advances in textile engineering have led to the production of synthetic hair products that offer an array of styles and functionalities. Slick-skinned marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and elephant seals lost their furry coverings long ago but replaced the fur's insulation with a thick layer of blubber that shields them from the cold, Voss explained.
