3
$\begingroup$

Humans have sweat and we all know how that provides cooling along with the remaining vellus hairs acting as wicks.

So how do hominids, our close relatives (some of which are more massive than humans) regular their body temperature, given that they are completely covered in fur like typical mammals?


I’m specifically interested in how a human who had an atavism that’s like generalized hypertrichosis terminalis would fare and get by.

in my story, it’s due to a repaired chromosome 17 that didn’t turn out the way that was intended.

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

1
$\begingroup$

First they have less cooling needs than us, shady forests are cooler than sunlit savannah, they also are not as active, especially the larger ones, at least not in the hottest parts of the day. keep in mind chimps are much smaller than us so they have an easier time cooling off. They cool themselves the same way we do, by sweating, its just not s effective as it is in us, but then it doesn't need to be. .

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Gorillas and urangs are larger than us. $\endgroup$
    – JDługosz
    Commented Mar 19, 2018 at 21:30
  • $\begingroup$ hence needing to mention the chimps are smaller. $\endgroup$
    – John
    Commented Mar 20, 2018 at 2:07
1
$\begingroup$

Some of the tactics include: _ More frequent breaths. _ Sweat more. _ Loss of skin moisture.

You can read here for more details: https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1113/jphysiol.1976.sp011251

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Answers are expected to stand for themselves with references for further reading. It would be great if you could edit your answer with information from the paper you linked. $\endgroup$
    – Chris
    Commented Mar 20, 2018 at 20:47

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .