Evolution is a fascinating and perplexing phenomenon. The idea that all mammals, including humans, are somehow connected is interesting. One that can be difficult to grasp: where do we locate evidence of evolution? There is significant evidence of our evolutionary past, which may be traced back to early primates, Neanderthals, and finally to the present Homo sapiens we have become.
A spectacular spot to see evidence of evolution? Our own bodies!
Many of our internal and external qualities are simply inherited from our forefathers. Many of these characteristics no longer serve a useful role in our daily lives. Even while many people no longer forage for food or wander as nomads, we nevertheless retain these nearly useless traits. They were passed down to us from a time when they were necessary for survival.
Take, for example, the unusual sensation of goosebumps. It is not a random event. When our mammalian ancestors encountered freezing temperatures, they had a well-known strategy for dealing with the situation. Goosebumps acted as a method for increasing surface area and retaining heat. When we are chilly, a muscle associated to our arm hairs contracts, forcing the hairs to stand upright and leaving bumps on the skin.
