The reason we humans have fingernails and toenails is because our fingernails and toenails evolved from our ancient primate ancestors sharp claws.
And instead of digging into tree bark like claws do for example, our flat human fingernails act as hard backing for our fingertips.
Our fingernails gives us better sense of touch, helps us to grip small objects and also aids us humans in climbing and even making tools.
The reason and purpose of our human toenails is for toe balance, counter pressure and evolutionary remnant.
Our human toenails remain because they are part of the same genetic blueprint that builds our hands and feet.
Also our human toenails also give our toes a firm base when pushing off the ground and for toe balance, our human toenails also support the tips of our toes as we humans walk and run.
The reason and purpose for our human fingernails include better grip, more feeling, protection and as daily tools.
The fingernails us humans have allow our fingers to press firmly against objects so that we can grab small items, which gives us better grip and makes it easier to pick up objects.
The hard fingernails we humans have also gives a counterforce to the skin pad on our finger, which makes our touch more sensitive.
The fingernails also guard the soft tips of our fingers from getting hurt.
And our fingernails also help us scratch, peel fruit and even pick up tiny things.
Humans can live without fingernails as well as toenails as some people are actually born without fingernails and or toenails due to rare genetic conditions such as anonychia, and some people lose their fingernails or toenails through medical issues or injury.
Although, while survival without fingernails and toenails is fully possible, a life without fingernails and toenails also changes your fine motor skills, sensation and protection.
Losing your toenails can also change how you walk and hurt your feet in shoes and your fingertips also have many nerve endings, and your fingernails also help protect these nerve endings and without the fingernails, touching things can feel too tender or even painful.
Soft skin at the tips of fingers and toes also gets cut or bruised much easier without fingernails and toenails and without fingernails and toenails to seal the nail bed, bacteria can also get in, although you also avoid dirt becoming trapped under the tip of the nails.
And doctors also often look at your nail color and shape to spot any health issues like iron problems.