No Stupid Questions

473 readers

1 users here now

This community is for people to ask questions they feel stupid for not knowing the answer or how to find the answer. "How do I not already know this?"

founded 2 years ago

MODERATORS

electrodynamica@mander.xyz

Why do humans have finger/toenails? (lemm.ee)

submitted 3 weeks ago by ALostInquirer@lemm.ee to c/nostupidquestions@mander.xyz

19 comments fedilink hide all child comments

They seem like one more bodily detail to tend to without much benefit, and sometimes more detriment (breaking a nail or scratching oneself up, ouch!).

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] ALostInquirer@lemm.ee -5 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

The hard flat back gives your flesh something to press up against when pinching. Imagine pulling a hair out of your arm with your fingers. Easy, right? Now imagine pulling a hair out of your arm with your lips.

Are...Your fingers boneless? For awhile I kept my fingernails cut probably far too short and didn't have too much trouble pulling the occasional arm hairs. That said, point stands regarding picking up smaller stuff, and I appreciate the amusing visual and nail enthusiasm!