Why do we get goosebumps when we’re scared or cold? It’s like our skin has a mind of its own!
In: Biology
Well I can’t speak for being scared, but for cold it’s an awesome adaptation that we have!
When the hair stands up on our arms it becomes an insulating layer that can trap air. The heat coming off your body gets trapped in that layer of hair and acts as a buffer layer from the outside cold air. Essentially, a makeshift coat. Nature’s coat.
Try it next time you get goosebumps hover your hand at the tip of your arm hair, it’ll feel pretty warm in that little pocket layer.
Imagine on other animals that haven’t lost most of their hair like we did, or birds and their “downy feathers” which are made into your “downy” blankets and “down coats” that keep you extra warm. Any coat works it’s all the same principal, feathers or hair trapping air in the spaces between them.
Humans used to have fur. Like u/123numbersrule says when the hair(was fur) stands up on its end it becomes a better insulator. This is also why fear makes makes us get goosebumps. Our body is trying to fluff our fur up and make us look bigger to frighten the bad thing away.
Goosebumps happen when our body feels scared or cold. Adrenaline released by the brain makes our hair follicles contract, forming bumps on our skin.
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