chia_monkey's Journal: Fingerprints

I had an odd random thought tonight as I stared at the gash in my right thumb (got it from rinsing a cat food can...quite a nice long, deep slice). I find fingerprints quite amazing. Why...just why do we all have a distinct set of fingerprints? What's the purpose? As living beings, we can have so many features that are similar or different than others. We can be mistaken for others. But, deep down inside, we have different DNA. That's what makes us different than everyone else (aside from, of course, our upbringing, our upbringing, etc.). We may have similar facial features or builds as others, but our DNA is unique. But why do we have a set of different fingerprints? What genetic purpose does it serve? It can't be a survival thing, can it? Do cats and dogs have different prints on their pads? Random Saturday night musings that have me wondering...

Survival

[IpalindromeI]

Fingerprints aren't for our survival. They're for the survival of the government; they need a way to tag each and every one of us for processing. Convenient, isn't it.

<secures tinfoil>