The fat pads in orangutans serve a number of functions. They help to:
- Protect the organs from injury: Orangutans have relatively thin skin and a lack of muscle mass, so the fat pads help to protect their organs from being damaged.
- Provide insulation: The fat pads help to keep orangutans warm in the cool rainforest climate.
- Store energy: The fat pads store energy that can be used when food is scarce.
- Attract mates: Male orangutans with larger fat pads are more attractive to females.
- Float better: Fat helps the orangutan stay buoyant when it spends time in the water looking for food.