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Question

What are vestigial organs? Name two vestigial organs found in human body.

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Solution

For an organ to be vestigial, it has to be of reduced function compared to the homologous organ in related species. Note that a vestigial organ does not have to be entirely useless to qualify.

The appendix is the most famous. It seems to have a very small role in the immune system and in maintaining the bacteria in the GI tract.

Humans still have muscles which control their ears, even though most people can't use them.

Nictitating membrane in the corner of the eye it was the inner eyelid in your reptilian relatives.

Goosebumps are also vestigial, though they are not organs. Our ancestors were a lot hairier, and they would raise their hairs to keep warm. The hair is gone now, but the muscles and the reflex remains.


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