Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Sophie on 01/06/2011 17:30:05

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: Sophie on 01/06/2011 17:30:05

Sophie asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi!

I've been wondering... WHY DO WE HAVE EYE BROWS!

Please make a podcast (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/podcasts/) about this!

Thanks,

Sophie

Lake Oswego OR

What do you think?

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: CZARCAR on 01/06/2011 19:28:31

frontal lobe needs air. God made only so many perfect heads & the rest he covered with hairs?

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: RD on 01/06/2011 22:53:01

They emphasise facial expression, i.e. hair has been retained in that area because it is useful in communication.

If your face was totally covered in hair (http://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/index.php?topic=31616.msg309663#msg309663), or were completely hairless, your facial expression,
and consequently how you felt about the situation, would be less obvious.

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: Bored chemist on 02/06/2011 06:57:09

Eyebrows keep the sweat out of your eyes.

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: Madidus_Scientia on 02/06/2011 12:43:32

Eyebrows evolved as a way to display ones prowess at not passing out and letting your mates shave them off. A specimen with only 1 or less eyebrows may be considered weaker than the rest of the tribe.

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: Geezer on 02/06/2011 17:30:57

I think it's because they are essential for communicating certain emotions.  [:)] [;)] [:D] [>:(] [:-[]

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: RD on 02/06/2011 19:21:26

Quote from: Madidus_Scientia on 02/06/2011 12:43:32

A specimen with only 1 ... eyebrows may be considered weaker than the rest of the tribe.

one of a pair, or just one big one: a monobrow (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unibrow)    [:)]

Title: Why do we have eyebrows?
Post by: CliffordK on 02/06/2011 22:59:02

Quote from: Geezer on 02/06/2011 17:30:57

I think it's because they are essential for communicating certain emotions.  [:)] [;)] [:D] [>:(] [:-[]

It is probably a combination of factors.

Communication including facial expression undoubtedly was important to early hominids.  I actually met an albino who chose to get her eyebrows tattooed to look more "normal".

Eye ridges, and eyebrows presumably also help with protecting the eyes from sweat as well as rain and other elements.  Perhaps even from the sun.