Body hair

Weak body hair is found in a variety of different climate zones in almost all continents. Particularly weak is the hair of some East-Asian Mongoloids where beard growth is particularly sparse. The exact reason is unclear, but may be associated with the severe winters of North-Central Asia (see above). In Africa, most of the northern savannah populations (Sudanids, Nilotids, Ethiopids) show very little hair, as well as Malagasy. In America, most groups have little hair, just like in South-East Asia and Polynesia. African forest populations as well as Pacifids and Huarpids of South America show stronger hair growth.

Strong body hair is found in a variety of different climate zones in different parts of the Old Word. Particularly strong is the hair of Ainu of Hokkaido as well as some Southern Australian Aborigines. Another centre of strong body hair lies in Asia Minor. From there, strong body hair extends across the Eastern Mediterranean and through Persia to North India. In the Western Mediterranean, the Dinaric Alps, as well as parts of Scandinavia and Britain, body hair is still relatively strong, but not as much as in the East. In tropical areas, strong hair is found in Melanesians and even some African Pygmies.