Evolution isn’t necessarily purpose driven. I know that sounds counterintuitive. Gene expressions can be random af and when they aren’t selected for or against, they can carry on for many reasons, sometimes just because they’re located on the chromosome near something that IS selected for. That’s just one example, there’s a lot of reasons something like this carries on. Maybe these horses have been bred for one thing and this is a genetically related side effect. Evolution is weird and accidental in many ways.
Yes. Humans have chins, which make jaws weaker. Chins are useless extra bone and essentially a structural defect, but not bad enough for evolution to do anything about.
Doubt, tbh. For one thing, sexual selection is always a viable reason, and for another human jaws are already a fairly vulnerable spot. I don’t think extra bone is a flaw in a species that likes to punch each other in the face in between tripping over rocks and faceplanting because bipedalism is also a skeletal compromise.
It does help them get snow or dust away from food. The upper lip of a horse is very flexible and if you’ve ever been with a horse you might think it has similarities to an elephant’s trunk. The hair can be used as a brush to clean away whatever is obstructing their food.
I wonder what evolutionary purpose the mustache serves.
Evolution isn’t necessarily purpose driven. I know that sounds counterintuitive. Gene expressions can be random af and when they aren’t selected for or against, they can carry on for many reasons, sometimes just because they’re located on the chromosome near something that IS selected for. That’s just one example, there’s a lot of reasons something like this carries on. Maybe these horses have been bred for one thing and this is a genetically related side effect. Evolution is weird and accidental in many ways.
Obviously it’s because lady horses just love a sexy stache and so they’re hooking up more.
Yes. Humans have chins, which make jaws weaker. Chins are useless extra bone and essentially a structural defect, but not bad enough for evolution to do anything about.
Doubt, tbh. For one thing, sexual selection is always a viable reason, and for another human jaws are already a fairly vulnerable spot. I don’t think extra bone is a flaw in a species that likes to punch each other in the face in between tripping over rocks and faceplanting because bipedalism is also a skeletal compromise.
Except sexual selection usually affects one sex, not both. And the extra bone doesn’t make the jaw stronger, it makes it weaker.
Source that extra bone makes a structure weaker?
Source is I heard it somewhere and of course now I can’t find it. :/
Well, what do our mustaches serve?
It obviously drives everyone jealous and seduces the ladies…duh ;-)
To attract a partner. I’m sure the mares can’t resist them
Literal moustache rides.
Not everything has a purpose.
It does help them get snow or dust away from food. The upper lip of a horse is very flexible and if you’ve ever been with a horse you might think it has similarities to an elephant’s trunk. The hair can be used as a brush to clean away whatever is obstructing their food.