EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Vestigial organs are those that have ceased their function. In certain flightless birds like the Kiwi and Ostrich, the wings are vestigial.

Detailed explanation-2: -These unused structures without function are called vestigial structures. Other examples of vestigial structures are wings (which may have other functions) on flightless birds like the ostrich, leaves on some cacti, traces of pelvic bones in whales, and the sightless eyes of cave animals.

Detailed explanation-3: -These are known as vestigial structures: features that had a necessary function at one time for an organism’s ancestors, but are nowhere near as important for modern species. Wings on flightless birds are just one example. Vestiges aren’t always functionless.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Ostrich has 50-60 tail feathers. Their wings have 16 primary feathers, 4 alular feathers, and 20-23 secondary feathers. Their wings are used to keep them warm, and cool. Their wings are also used to attract a partner, and to assist them to turn and zig-zag.

Detailed explanation-5: -The wings of ostriches, emus, and other flightless birds are vestigial; they are remnants of their flying ancestors’ wings. The eyes of certain cavefish and salamanders are vestigial, as they no longer allow the organism to see, and are remnants of their ancestors’ functional eyes.