Evolutionary Advantages of Wrinkly Fingers

The video explores why fingers wrinkle after being submerged in water. Initially, it was thought that water absorption caused the skin to swell and wrinkle. However, research in the 1930s revealed that the nervous system plays a crucial role. When fingers are soaked, nerves signal the brain to reduce blood flow, causing the skin to wrinkle. This adaptation may improve grip on wet surfaces, as experiments show wrinkly fingers hold wet objects better. The video also invites viewers to consider if toes wrinkle similarly and their potential benefits.

What initial observation is made about fingers after a long swimming session?

• They become swollen.

• They become smoother.

• They appear wrinkled like raisins.

• They change color.

What was the early belief about why fingers wrinkle in water?

• Water absorption by the skin causes swelling.

• The skin dries out in water.

• The skin contracts due to cold water.

• The skin expands due to heat.

What discovery in the 1930s changed the understanding of wrinkly fingers?

• Fingers wrinkle due to skin dryness.

• Nerve damage prevents wrinkling.

• Fingers wrinkle due to muscle contraction.

• Water temperature affects wrinkling.

How does the nervous system contribute to finger wrinkling?

• By sending signals to reduce blood flow.

• By increasing blood flow to the fingers.

• By absorbing more water into the skin.

• By causing muscle contractions.

What happens to the blood vessels in the fingers when they are soaked in water?

• They remain unchanged.

• They shrink and reduce blood flow.

• They burst and cause swelling.

• They expand and increase blood flow.

What is the result of the epidermis relaxing due to reduced blood flow?

• The skin becomes smoother.

• The skin becomes looser and wrinkles.

• The skin becomes thicker.

• The skin becomes tighter.

What is one hypothesis about the evolutionary advantage of wrinkly fingers?

• They prevent skin infections.

• They protect against cold water.

• They help in swimming faster.

• They improve grip on wet surfaces.

What did experiments show about people with wrinkly fingers?

• They have a stronger grip on dry objects.

• They have no change in grip strength.

• They can hold wet objects better.

• They have a weaker grip on dry objects.

How might wrinkly fingers have helped our ancestors?

• By providing warmth in cold weather.

• By aiding in climbing trees during rain.

• By improving swimming abilities.

• By enhancing vision underwater.

What is still uncertain about the function of wrinkly fingers?

• Whether they change skin color.

• Whether they protect against infections.

• Whether they help in swimming.

• Whether they improve grip on wet surfaces.