Question

Humans have a lot of homologous structures in common with other animals, and several of these structures are no longer in working order in human bodies. These nonfunctioning structures are called vestigial structures. They still show evidence of common ancestry, but they do not do the same things in humans as they do in other animals.

Listed below are mostly vestigial structures. Select the one that serves a purpose in humans.

(1 point)
Responses

hair raising: goosebumps in humans versus raising hackles to appear larger and aggressive in other animals like cats and monkeys
hair raising: goosebumps in humans versus raising hackles to appear larger and aggressive in other animals like cats and monkeys

ear muscles: ability to wiggle ears in humans versus rotating ears to hear predators in prey animals like deer and rabbits
ear muscles: ability to wiggle ears in humans versus rotating ears to hear predators in prey animals like deer and rabbits

pelvis: supports upper body

Answer 1

Pelvis: supports upper body.

Explanation: the human pelvis is functional — it bears and transmits the weight of the upper body to the lower limbs, supports pelvic organs, and provides attachment for muscles. By contrast goosebumps and ear-wiggling are vestigial remnants of functions important in other mammals.