What is their purpose? Why can’t we just have our fingers like we do now just with no nails?
In: Biology
Along with what the other commenters have written:
Your fingertips are very sensitive. They have more nerve endings than, say, your forearm because you need to be able to feel very faint detail with your fingertips. Consequently, they need to be protected so the nail helps shield the sensitive flesh underneath.
Strengthens finger tips. Makes it easier to pick things up. Nails are also weapons (albeit not very good ones in our cases) you can scratch things with them.
Nails come from what were once claws. Now they act as simple tools for picking at things and to reinforce the ends of our fingers. A stiff backing increases the strength that can be applied at the tips.
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