Sometimes I wonder why our bodies are the way they are, like why only two eyes, not one or three? Why the specific number and placement of different parts?
In this post, I will try to explore this concept in detail. I invite you to add your points too. (Contact Me)
This exploration is in no way scientifically rigorous. But, instead I intend to make it like an index of existing research, which the readers can use to explore the concepts further using standard research sources.
👁️ Eyes
Two
Binocular vision. It allows us to perceive the World is 3D, for which atleast two eyes are required. More than two might have been unnecessary.
Placement
They are located at a height, so that we can look far.
👂 Ears
Two
Helps with locating the source of incoming sound. (Elaborated below)
Placement
Our ears are located on opposite sides because this allows us to cover a wide angle and to locate the direction of incoming sound. Our brain calculates the difference between the volume levels of the ears and estimates the direction.
This is why, when a sound comes from either directly in front of us or directly behind us, we instinctively turn our head to create a volume difference and locate the source of the sound.
👃 Nose
Placement
Our nose is placed just above our mouth, so that when we are about to eat toxic food, we could smell it and avoid eating it.
🤨 Eyebrows
They protect our eyes from falling dust.
❤️🫀 Heart
Placement
The heart is located near the vertical centre, so that the pumping of blood can be done easily towards the head and the feet. On further thought, I think, as it’s located further up from the centre, it is because gravity will assist the blood flow towards the feet, but the flow towards the head is easier as distance is reduced.
Hair
Absence of Pain
We don’t feel pain when we cut our hair. That’s clearly good.