Question

Explain why the structure in the human is a vestigial structure.

Answer 1

A vestigial structure is a body part that has lost its original function through evolution. In the case of humans, the appendix is often considered a vestigial structure because it no longer serves a crucial role in digestion, as it may have in our evolutionary ancestors. Additionally, the coccyx, or tailbone, is considered vestigial as it serves no functional purpose in humans but is thought to be remnants of a tail that our ancestors once had. These structures are considered vestigial because they have lost their original function but are still present in the human body due to evolutionary history.