What are fingernails for?

Question

This is a primitive-type question, as in what were they for originally before technology? Was it merely for grasping, or "clawing" like almost to be used as tools? or is there some other reason..

Answer 1

We find nail polish to be a good enough reason for having them but thought you might be looking for a more scientific answer. We set out to find one by consulting the always reliable Britannica.com.
According to the online encyclopedia, the human and primate nail corresponds to the claw, hoof, or talon of other animals. Human nails protect the tips of the toes and fingers, while fingernails help us pick up small objects and scratch ourselves.

On the other hand, the feet of primates are capable of gripping objects, just like their hands, so their toenails have much the same function as fingernails. However, human toenails seem to be an evolutionary leftover.

Podiatrist Michael Zapf agrees that nails are essential for manipulation and scratching (and he points out the importance of scratching in a primate or human's life).
But the doctor debunks the notion that nails exist to protect the tips of toes and fingers. He argues that your digits wouldn't be especially sensitive without nails. Dermatologist Mitch Bender appears to agree: "People can get along without nails -- toenails more than fingernails -- but they do make daily life a bit easier."

So, though there's some disagreement about whether or not toenails and fingernails serve to protect our digits, our resources all agree that our nails help us pick up little stuff like pencils, peanuts, and even bottles of nail polish.

Answer 2

Fingernails are (if you believe in evolution) an adaptation of the claw.
Just as animals use them to scratch and as tools, our fingernails are for protection and as a tool. Ever tried picking up a penny right after cutting your fingernails?

Answer 3

I guess my answer also goes back to a primitive-type answer; for clawing or digging for things. I really do not know what the original reason is as to why we have them..................How are they used technological? Other than keeping them clean, cut and polished (for some women) I really do not know why we have them. I'm really curious to read other answers...........perhaps someone can dig up the real reason why we have them..............

Answer 4

A through back to claws, , today they keep fingernail polish companies something to do.

Answer 5

depends how you look at humans evolution. i see us coming from fish so they could've been developed like a bats wing with either strength or defense the reason, ya know? imagine a fin with five finger like bones running through it ending in small claws?

then skip a million or two years onto land, and it could've been climbing/eating/tearing etc.

have a look at what other animals use theirs for.

Answer 6

Fingernails protect the distal phalanges, or fingertip bones, which are the smallest bones in the hands.

Answer 7

Self defense mechanisms.

We often fought off our predators with our hands and feet (furthest from vital organs).

Essentially our hands and feet became weapons. Finger nails made those weapons more efficient.

Did cave men ever clip their nails? I think not!

Answer 8

My husband says there a dangerous tool..

Answer 9

im pretty sure that there used and were used to protect ur fingers and probably were also used for protection against other ppl and stuff if ur goin' way back

Answer 10

Clawing, and scratching.