Science Common Sense


59 - Why do we have fingerprints?

Our fingerprints are unique patterns on our fingertips. They serve a few purposes:

  1. Grip: The ridges and lines on fingertips help us grip things better, so we don't drop them easily.
  2. Identification: Just like our faces, fingerprints are unique to each person, which is why they're used by police to identify people.
  3. Sensitivity: The ridges help our fingertips feel different textures and surfaces, making them more sensitive to touch.

So, fingerprints are like a special combination of grip, identity, and sensitivity that's just for each of us.