Hair specimen: Homo sapiens (Human (Pakeha, of European descent)): Scalp hair from adult human
Most diagnostic features for this species:
1. Scalp hair can be longest of any mammal species, up to 0.5m long (but often cut short) 2. Absent or fragmented medulla
Sample
Description: Scalp hair from adult
Sample origin: Dunedin, NZ
Hair profile
General shape: Straight
Length (mm): Length determined by cutting
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 90 ( Typical of species - max 110)
Colour: Brown
Microscopic features
Pigment granules in cortex of hair
Medulla: Fragmented
Scales : Irregular wave, distant separation, smooth to crenate margins
Scales: Regular wave, near separation. Also showing pigment granules in cortex
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Human (Pakeha, of European descent): Scalp hair from adult human
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 28 April 2024