Claws and Nails: Evolution and Function
Published by The nails of primates and mammals have evolved from the claws of reptiles. Primitive snakes like pythons and boas have vestigial hind limbs, which are tiny, clawed digits known as anal spurs.
Claws and Nails: Evolution and Function
© Dr.P.Elayaraja
Evolution of nails
Nails have been an important ornament for animals and human beings given by the nature. The evolution of nails took millions of years and nails have taken different shapes and forms in the animal kingdom.
The nails of primates and mammals have evolved from the claws of reptiles. Primitive snakes like pythons and boas have vestigial hind limbs, which are tiny, clawed digits known as anal spurs.
The claws and nails
Claws are usually compressed on their sides and curved ventrally (they point downwards). Claws have undergone changes according to the adaptation of the animals. They serve the functions of climbing, digging and fighting. Claws are typically double layered and are always pointed at the ends.
Unlike the claws, nails are flat and only little curved. They extend to a little distance form the tip of the digits. The tips of the nails are not pointed and are single layered. Like the horns and hooves, claws and nails are made up of a tough protein called keratin. Nails are appendages of the skin similar to the hair.
Functions of Nails and Claws
Many animals have very sharp claws. Cats (even wild cats) in particular, have the sharpest claws in the animal kingdom. They maintain the sharpness of their claws by retracting the claws into a skin pouch while walking and running. The claws keep on growing and the length of the claws is maintained by using it for various purposes. Animals use their claws primarily for capturing their prey, digging the mud or trees, fighting and climbing walls and trees.
The nails in humans are considered as aesthetic outgrowth, but its real function is to protect the soft ends of the phalanges or digits. The nail gives a counter-force when the end of the finger touches an object. Nail functions as an excellent tool gifted to us by the nature. Will anyone deny using the finger nails to peel an onion skin, or unwrap a dairymilk chocolate?
Nail manicure has been there for more than 4000 years and women take care of their nails more than men. Trimming the nails periodically is very much helpful in maintaining personal hygiene. The human nail grows about 3mm in a month. In case of accidental loss of nails, the finger nails may take 3 to 6 months to regrow completely and the toenails may take double the time.
Never get hurt in the nails, as it would give enormous and unbearable pain due to the rich blood supply and nerve endings below the nail plate.
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© 2010 Dr.P.Elayaraja
Liked it
On October 13, 2010 at 11:20 am
Interesting topic presented in an excellent manner with great pictures. Please also comment on some of my articles as well.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:28 am
nice article. I will share this.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:28 am
This is an incredibly interesting article!
On October 13, 2010 at 11:37 am
evolution is a marvelous thing.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:39 am
Nice Work
On October 13, 2010 at 11:41 am
An interesting share about claws and nails. I really loved the images,
On October 13, 2010 at 11:49 am
what an excellent post here, the writings are great! The animals nails pics are sooooooo cute, the human ones so beautiful… now I get embarrassed of my nails, they are so dull.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:55 am
Excellent article. Evolution clearly sends out the message “Use it or loose it”. This is true for any organ or any ability/skill that one.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:59 am
Excellent!
On October 13, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Nail-biting article. Very good food for thought. Thanks for posting such valuable information.
On October 13, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Interesting and something we don’t often think about.
On October 13, 2010 at 1:51 pm
This is an interesting article. A thumb up.
On October 13, 2010 at 1:57 pm
very different and informative post…some fresh content i got today..
On October 13, 2010 at 2:36 pm
good to know
On October 13, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Interesting nail painting pic.
On October 13, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Good Post
On October 13, 2010 at 11:30 pm
Thanks for share.
On October 14, 2010 at 12:23 am
Interesting post. Many women spend money to decorate their nails like the last photo. But, I dare not to try. Thanks for sharing.
On October 14, 2010 at 3:23 am
nice share – gj
On October 14, 2010 at 6:03 am
Great images and great share. Great topic too.
On October 14, 2010 at 6:22 am
What would we do without our nails. Those tiny memory chips that we use with our phones require that strong, flat surface for insertion.
On October 14, 2010 at 6:48 am
Informative and very interesting. I love the pics.
On October 14, 2010 at 8:54 am
very interesting read. =p
On October 14, 2010 at 8:55 am
Good info here. Liked that cat’s claws in particular
On October 17, 2010 at 9:32 pm
Interesting post and very colorful.
On October 18, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Hmm interesting cheers