this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2025
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Science Memes

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[–] ryannathans@aussie.zone 18 points 2 weeks ago (5 children)

This is a mathematical problem with no solution, there has to be a cowlick on a sphere. Perhaps the mole avoids this problem by not being a sphere, where there is a possible solution

[–] DrBob@lemmy.ca 19 points 2 weeks ago

It's very short and perpendicular to the skin. It feels like velvet.

[–] idiomaddict@lemmy.world 12 points 2 weeks ago

But it’s not completely covered in fur. A partially hairy sphere doesn’t need a cowlick.

[–] ThisIsAManWhoKnowsHowToGling@lemmy.dbzer0.com 11 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

I dont remember learning about moles in math. Chemistry, yes, but I don't think moles care much about topology.

However, if we assume an ideal mole in empty space with no air resistance, we would see how they have this property: their hair follicles would, in the absence of outside interference, stand straight up. So, its technically more accurate to say that every direction of petting a mole is equally wrong.

[–] ryannathans@aussie.zone 4 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)
[–] lennivelkant@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Someone else covered it in another reply, but moles have bald areas. Hairy Ball only applies when it's entirely covered.

Edit: other comment

[–] Sludgeyy@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago

Cowlick doesn't go against what the post is saying

Their hair can lay in any direction at anytime

It's not saying that you can make their hair all perfect in any direction.

[–] muntedcrocodile@hilariouschaos.com 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

A topological sphere so unless moles are actually a torus then it's still not possible.

[–] SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago (2 children)

Good news, vertebrates are tori

[–] PaintedSnail@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Unless they wear a whig.

[–] Swedneck@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 2 weeks ago

they are however usually not hairy on the inside