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aychamo
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For anyone familiar with hypertrichosis (that Mexican family has the gene, it makes them VERY hairy), it's been around for a while. Could this be any type of throwback to times before we became "hairless apes"?
There are some rare cases in medical literature which could be interpreted as ATAVISMS, that is, the reappearance of our ancestors' organs, in which morphological traits, already lost by human beings thoroughout evolution, are expressed again.
Such is the case of supranumerary mammal glands, with V-shaped nipples similar to pre-primates mammals, of sacral tails, and pilosity patterns covering the whole face or body, very chimp-like (see above the case of a Chinese child, who was born with his body covered with thick hair; the man with a sacral tail and another with several nipples).
However, genetic atavism is not accept by many scientists, who agree only to the extent that the theme is a controversial one. What has been interpreted as atavism, they argue, sometimes is just a particular example of abnormal embryonic development or a rare disease. The fact that a phenotypic trait resembles morphological characteristics of primates or other mamals in the evolutionary development does not necessarily mean that a "hidden" gene in our genome has been de-repressed. This is yet to be to be proven at molecular level.
Monique said:It's atavism :)
Hypertrichosis, also known as "werewolf syndrome," is a rare condition where there is excessive hair growth on the body. This hair growth is not limited to the typical hair-bearing areas of the body, but can occur all over, including the face and ears.
Yes, hypertrichosis can be caused by a genetic mutation. It can also be inherited in a family, known as familial hypertrichosis. In some cases, hypertrichosis can also be acquired due to certain medical conditions or medications.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest a direct link between hypertrichosis and prehistoric times. However, some researchers hypothesize that certain genetic mutations that cause hypertrichosis may have been more prevalent in ancient times.
There is currently no known cure for hypertrichosis. However, there are treatments available to manage the excessive hair growth, such as laser hair removal, shaving, and waxing. These treatments may need to be repeated regularly to maintain results.
Hypertrichosis itself is not dangerous to one's health. However, the underlying cause of the condition, such as a genetic mutation or medical condition, may require medical attention. Additionally, individuals with hypertrichosis may experience psychological distress due to their appearance, which can impact their mental health.