AP BIOLOGY

EVOLUTION

EVIDENCE FOR EVOLUTION

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
An example of a vestigial structure is the
A
kangaroo pouch
B
human tail bone
C
cat forelimb
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Vestigial organs are the organs which were functional in their past but lost its function during the course of evolution. Human tailbone is also known as coccyx. The coccyx is a remnant of a tail from our ancestors.

Detailed explanation-2: -Although the tailbone is considered vestigial (or no longer necessary) in the human body, it does have some function in the pelvis. For instance, the coccyx is one part of a three-part support for a person in the seated position.

Detailed explanation-3: -Vestigial Structures in Humans However, humans still have a coccyx or tailbone in their skeletons. In fetuses, any tail is absorbed during development. The coccyx currently serves as an anchor for muscles; that wasn’t its original purpose, so that’s why it’s considered vestigial.

Detailed explanation-4: -In humans, the appendix is a good example of a vestigial organ. This non-functioning organ eventually degenerates, shrinking in size and disappearing ultimately.

Detailed explanation-5: -When a human grows a tail, it’s known as a human tail or vestigial tail. Many believe that human ancestors had and used some form of a tail. Over time as a species, however, we evolved past the need for such an organ, which is why the majority of humans no longer grow them.

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