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Why do fingertips have ridges?

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Answer: Improve grip and touch

Improve grip and touchCorrect! Fingertip ridges increase friction and help us sense tiny textures. They form before birth and stay mostly stable through life.

Show dehydrationWrong. Dehydration can dry the skin, but fingerprints are permanent ridges, not a hydration signal.

Random skin foldsWrong. These ridges are not random creases. They form in patterned ways during development and help with grip and touch.

Go deeper: Dermatoglyphics
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