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DR“That Would Hurt to Wax” #rabbithole
Humans host two distinct types of lice: head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), each specialized to different regions of the body. What’s particularly fascinating is that while head lice share a common ancestor with body lice—both of which evolved alongside human hair patterns—pubic lice are genetically distinct and closely related to the lice found on gorillas.
Research suggests that pubic lice evolved from a species nearly identical to Pthirus gorillae, the lice that infest gorillas today. Scientists believe this transfer occurred around 2 million years ago, likely through early human ancestors coming into contact with gorilla nests. Over time, Pthirus pubis adapted to human hosts, thriving in the coarse, thick hair of the pubic region and other body areas with similar hair types, such as the armpits.
#science #evolution #hair
@drsermedmezher
