Biology/integumentary question..
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Hi. I would like to know why do we have fingernails. I have been searching for quite some time but cant find a definite answer. I would like to know also why does the skin of fingers and toes wrinkled after they have been long immersed in water. Thank and I hope to hear from you soon.
Fingernails are claws. All mammals with fingers or toes have claws. They are evolutionary and have varying functions. About the only function in you and I is scratching and when you itch you are glad you have them.
Fingers and toes have a skin layer called callus that absorbs water. When it does it swells causing a wrinkle.
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Walter Hintz
Expertise
Science teacher for over 50 years. MSc. in biology. I can answer questions in general biology, zoology, botany, anatomy and physiology and biochemistry.
Experience
I have a MSc in biology and have been a science teacher for over 50 years. At present I am a faculty member at a college and a science consultant at seven catholic schools.
Publications
The Ohio journal of Science
Momentum-The Journal of the Catholic Education Association
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