fingerprints

the world would be different if...

we didn't have fingerprints. not just because it would make fighting crime harder, but because we wouldn't have a lot of grip. it's not just finger strength, you know. the little grooves on our fingers actually do a lot of work for us because they create friction. don't believe me? wrap your hand in a piece of satin or silk and try to pick up a smooth glass vase. now get some canvas or burlap (or any cloth that is rough to the touch) and pick up that same glass. it's so much easier now! (and yes, i know this isn't the best experiment. even silk has ridges. and if you wore smooth rubber gloves you can still pick up the glass [tho it would be even easier with grooved rubber gloves]. so ha! grooves to make it easier).