	AllExperts > Biology
	Search

About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I can answer biology-related questions in the areas of evolution, zoology, botany, genetics, and ecology. But I don't answer homework questions or provide ideas for your science fair projects. So students please do your learning the right way by reading your text assignments and studying!

Experience
At the University of Miami, I teach Evolution and Biodiversity, Botany, Zoology, Genetics, Ecology, and a variety of seminars (e.g., the Biology and Evolution of Human Gender Roles).

Education/Credentials
I have a B.S. in Biology and an A.B. in English from the University of Southern California (1980). I earned my Ph.D. in Biology in the area of evolutionary biology/visual physiology from the University of Miami in 1989.

Past/Present Clients
I am currently an "expert" in both the "Rabbits" and "Wild Animals" categories.

You are here: Experts > Science > Biology > Biology > When is a moustache not a moustache?

Biology - When is a moustache not a moustache?

Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 10/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: hi sir .Q1- i want to ask that our mustache is grown under our nose
why not on our cheek or on some where else???
Q2- why its more psinful to get hurt in winters than that in summers?
I M A STUDENT OF CLASS 8, I PROMIS ITS NT MY HW QUESTION..ACTUALLY MY TEACHER DOSNT KNOW THIS..PLZZ HELP SIR
ISHAN SIDDIQUI

ANSWER: Dear Ishan,

The "moustache" is called the moustache *because* it grows under the nose. That's the name that (French) humans have invented for the hair that grows only in that area. Other hair grows on the cheeks and chin (beard), but we don't call that hair the "moustache". So your question is more about language than about the biology of facial hair. :)

I'm not sure exactly what you mean when you say it's more painful to get hurt in winter than in summer. I have never heard of this, and it's not true in my experience. So if you can be more clear about what you mean, I will try to answer.

Hope this helps.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: THANK U SIR BUT I MEAN WHY IS D GROWTH OF D HAIR MORE OVER THERE AS COMPARED TO FORE HEAD? N WHY DOES'NT HAIR GROW ON OUR PALM?
N IN THE SECOND QUESTION I MEANT THAT IF YOU R BEATEN BY A ROD IN WINTERS ITS MORE PAINFUL THAN THAT BEATEN IN SUMMERS .WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?(IT DOES HAPPEN!!)

Answer
Dear Ishan,

Your question really is about evolution, and why our species facial hair trait is the way it is. The answer is: we are not really sure.

I can tell you that in terms of evolution by means of natural selection, any trait can be:

1. adaptive - increases the chances of an individual expressing it to leave offspring
2. maladaptive - decreases the chances of an individual expressing it to leave offspring
3. neutral - does not affect the chances of an individual expressing it to leave offspring

One could put forth any number of hypotheses about why male humans grow hair more thickly under their noses than on other parts of the face, and why this might have been adaptive for our ancestors. Perhaps females found this pattern attractive. Perhaps thicker hair in other areas prevented effective cooling, but did not present a problem under the nose. You can make your own educated guess here. But none of these ideas has been subjected to rigorous scientific testing, to my knowledge, and such an experiment might be difficult to devise. But it could be an interesting classroom project for you! :)

As far as the second question: I will have to take your word for it that being beaten in winter is more painful than summer, because I have not experienced either. If the weather is cold, perhaps the skin is sensitized and more quickly apt to react to stimulus, such as being struck. But this, too, is only conjecture.

Hope this helps.

Dana

Add to this Answer Ask a Question