why do you get goose bumps when you are cold or scared?

Answer 1

The best way I can explain this is that it's an evolutionary vestige. It is part of the "Flight or Fight" reaction. Eons ago when we were covered with hair "goose bumps" would cause the hair to stand up making us look bigger, like how you see a cat or a dogs hair stand up when they feel threatened.
The reason why we get goose bumps when we are cold is also a vestige, a leftover from when we had hair all over..both responses are worthless to us now. These reactions are only helpful to a mammal covered in fur. The way we get goose bumps has something to do with the muscles contracting under the hair follicles. That is the best explanation I have. I am sure you can find more specific information by looking it up on Yahoo search.

Answer 2

"goose bumps"is when our arm or leg hairs lift and the reason is to capture any heat within the air .it is a sort of alarm for our body to be aware that its below temperature. when we are frightened it senses a certain nerve that activates that "alarm".

Answer 3

cause you do thanxs for the 2 points

Answer 4

I know ! That's strange huh? I wish I knew why too !

Answer 5

it is your body's way to keep you warm,by keeping the heat in. just a body reaction.

Answer 6

arrector pili muscle pulls on your hair and lifts it up when you are cold.

Answer 7

cuz your body tempature changes and thats the way your body reacts to it. cuz god made us that way.

Answer 8

automatic response to stress

Answer 9

I don't.