Why don’t humans have hair all over our bodies?

Human beings don’t have a thick coat of fur like many other mammals do. Scientists think it has to do with something else that comes out of skin: sweat.

By: Maria Chikina, University of Pittsburgh, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 31, 2025

Words: 927

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Maria Chikina, University of Pittsburgh

Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why don’t humans have hair all over their bodies like other animals? – Murilo, age 5, Brazil

Have you ever wondered why you don’t have thick hair covering your whole body like a dog, cat or gorilla does?

Humans …

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