Overview
Vestigial structures are fascinating remnants of our evolutionary past. They provide insight into how species have adapted over time and serve as evidence for the theory of evolution. Examples like the human appendix and the wings of flightless birds illustrate how certain traits can become less use...
Key Terms
Example: Darwin's theory of evolution explains how species change over time.
Example: Natural selection led to the development of the giraffe's long neck.
Example: Studying human anatomy helps us understand how our body functions.
Example: The human appendix is considered a vestigial organ.
Example: Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor.
Example: Camouflage is an adaptation that helps animals avoid predators.
Related Topics
Natural Selection
The process by which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.
intermediateEvolutionary Biology
The study of the evolutionary processes that produced the diversity of life on Earth.
advancedComparative Anatomy
The study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.
intermediateKey Concepts
evolutionnatural selectionanatomyfunction loss