Chapter 30.1, Problem 5MI

Summary Introduction

To analyze: The importance of hair by identifying the six functions of hair and giving an example of each function.

Introduction:

presence of hair on the body of mammals is one of the identifying features of the class Mammalia. Hair in various mammals is adapted to play different roles.

Explanation of Solution

Six functions of hair indifferent mammals are given in the table below:

Function	Examples
Defense	Quills of the porcupine are modified hairs. It stabs predators that touch it. Animals which come in a way of a porcupine, itencounters with quills.
Insulation	Fur in many animals such as fox, bear traps body heat and gives warmth.
Camouflage	Hairs on the tiger body help the tiger to mix with its habitat to ditch its prey.
Sensory devices	Whiskers of the seal are modified hairs. Whiskers of the seals are highly sensitive. It is used to detect movements of other aquatic animals, such as prey and predators.
Waterproofing	The sea otter has the thickest fur of any mammals. The two-layered fur keeps water from reaching the skin.
Signaling	White-tailed deer raise their tail vertically. this called flagging. They expose the white fur of its tail and backside to alert others in case of danger.