Abstract
The large relative brain size of hominids, and their lack of an effective carotid rete, means they are vulnerable to thermal damage during elevations of body temperature. This would account for the well developed whole-body cooling system of man, provided by a functionally naked skin and associated cutaneous sweat glands. It is argued that the lower direct solar radiation fluxes incident upon a bipedal mammal made possible the reduction of body hair, and explains the absence of this characteristic among savannah quadrupeds. The major thermoregulatory advantages conferred by bipedality, to an animal extremely sensitive to hyperthermia, could also account for the initial evolution of this unusual form of locomotion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
