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"Did men's beards evolve to absorb a punch to the jaw?" Topic


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Tango01 Supporting Member of TMP14 Jul 2020 8:52 p.m. PST

"Full, luxurious beards are a sight to behold, and they may also serve a practical purpose — softening the impact of a punch to the jaw.

Throughout history, flowing beards have been celebrated by cultures around the world as an emblem of social dominance and virility, much like the flowing mane of a dominant male lion.

However, the thick hair of a lion's mane also protects a big cat's throat against a rival's lethal claws and teeth, scientists have said. And a dense beard may lend similar protection against deadly attacks by cushioning and absorbing forces directed at the jaw, the facial bone that breaks the most often during combat, researchers recently suggested…"

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Oberlindes Sol LIC Supporting Member of TMP14 Jul 2020 9:30 p.m. PST

Leviticus 19:27. Maybe natural armor is a factor.

Zephyr114 Jul 2020 9:38 p.m. PST

"softening the impact of a punch"

No. If the beard was greasy, it allowed the punch to slide off…

Wolfhag Supporting Member of TMP15 Jul 2020 2:56 a.m. PST

+1 armor save.

Wolfhag

Dn Jackson15 Jul 2020 7:03 a.m. PST

Only Citadel/Foundry beards get the +1.

BillyNM Supporting Member of TMP15 Jul 2020 9:44 a.m. PST

If it had an evolutionary survival benefit it would probability be to protect/obscure the throat from animal attack. OTOH it's just as likely to be for display (show of masculinity) and/or pheromone retention for mate attraction.

von Schwartz15 Jul 2020 6:21 p.m. PST

Really, have were descended to this level?!?

Personal logo Legion 4 Supporting Member of TMP17 Jul 2020 9:35 a.m. PST

No unless it is very, very thick … 🧔

Jeffers17 Jul 2020 12:09 p.m. PST

What about armpits?

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