Evolutionary function of the foreskin?

Question

Or do only humans have it, to be ceremoniously removed for religious purposes?

Answer 1

I would have thought it was to protect the penis. Pretty obvious really.

It certainly did not come about for religious purposes.

Answer 2

All animals have it.
It protects from external agressions and dirt.
It is sexually sensitive, and it gently rubs the external part of the female vagina while the penis is going deeper. It is a mutilation o remove it.
It has to be kept extremely clean though, and water is its life and health. No soap, no other detergent. Just plain clear water.
Uncircumcised males have a more emotional sexuality.
Antique populations use to believe that the dryness of the foreskin with age, is the first sign of real senility.
Religions (Judaism and Islam) prescribe and rule to remove it because of old unfavoureable health conditions at that times, where infections were common cause of the deaths of the male populations.
Today we have water... so...

Answer 3

To protect the mucus membranes on the end of the penis, which dry out when the foreskin is removed.

The mucus membranes are there to help minimize abrasions in the vagina (and potentially dangerous infections that can get in through them) and to make penetration easier.

Answer 4

evolution and religion are two seperate schools of thought.

My vote is that religion has nothing to do with it since all cultures have them but not all remove them.

I agree that it is there to protect the penis and that is all

Answer 5

some animals have then, and to protect the glans when clothes were a bit primitive