Why do we get goosebumps?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Reflex from furry ancestors
Reflex from furry ancestors ✓ — Correct! Goosebumps are an evolutionary leftover from our furry ancestors. Tiny muscles raise our hairs, which would trap warm air in thick fur. But humans have little body hair, so it barely helps us stay warm. We still get this reflex when cold or experiencing strong emotions like fear or awe!
Blood vessels contracting — Wrong. Blood vessel constriction is a separate response to cold. Goosebumps are caused by tiny muscles raising hairs, an evolutionary reflex from when we had thick fur.
Skin cells multiplying — Wrong. Goosebumps don't involve skin cell multiplication. They're caused by tiny muscles at hair follicles contracting to raise hairs upward.