What's the use of nails?

Answer 1

Wow, they all got it wrong.

You have nails to keep the skin from twisting around your finger's bone. Without nails, you would not be able to pick up things nearly as well because the skin would twist and the item would slip from between your bones. Elsewhere, the thing would be called an "anchor."

Answer 2

Basically they are just dead protein, like hair. However they have many uses:
The color of the nails can help determine overall health.
They make pretty good tools for picking up things, opening tabs on cans, scratching, etc.
They can be attractive if women paint them. I don't wear the artificial type; ever! You don't see the people who apply them in nail shops wearing them either. Bad idea to cover the nail beds with glue and keep them from breathing.

Answer 3

Try picking up a penny from a table top without using your nail.

Answer 4

I liked mur's answers. I'd add that they also protect the finger tips and toes. There are so many nerves in the tips of our toes and fingers that the nails do give us some protection from injury and pain.

Answer 5

All primates have nails.They are evolved from claws. Claws are for defense, getting prey, and holding on to things. Although nails have lost most of the functions of claws, I guess they could be used for the same things if they are long enough. Plus they are fun to polish and look pretty. if you don't bite them, that is.

Answer 6

They are just a beauty statement now. Claws in animals are nails in humans.
And we do use the to scratch !

Answer 7

They help protect your nerves from being injured.

Answer 8

for picking your nose

Answer 9

nail polishhh DUH!