Acquired Morphological Changes of Mammalian Hair Scales

The study examined the morphological changes in the scale patterns of guard hairs in mammals, focusing on the transition from regular smooth to irregular wave patterns on the coarse section of these hairs. This change was attributed primarily to friction, as the scales in this area are thin, broad, dense, and overlap, making them more susceptible to environmental exposure and damage. In contrast, the lower part of guard hairs, which is thick and strong, is less affected by friction due to its position in the pelage. The findings suggested that both regular smooth and irregular wave patterns originate from the same morphological characteristics and should be considered together for species identification.