Question

​​​​​​In humans, the pelvis and femur (thigh bones) are involved in walking. In whales, the pelvis and femur bones are still present, just like in humans. The pelvis and femur shown here are: examples of:



(1 point)
Responses

skeletal fossils
skeletal fossils

vestigial structures
vestigial structures

acquired traits
acquired traits

natural variation
natural variation
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Answer 1

The pelvis and femur bones in whales are examples of **vestigial structures**. Vestigial structures are anatomical features that have lost most or all of their original function through the course of evolution. In the case of whales, these bones are remnants from their terrestrial ancestors, reflecting their evolutionary history.