Darwin's tubercle

Darwin's tubercle is a minor anatomical feature that appears on the human ear. It is a small, pointed elevation that appears on the helix of the ear, named after Charles Darwin, who first described it in his book, The Descent of Man.

Etymology

The term "Darwin's tubercle" is derived from the name of Charles Darwin, the English naturalist who first described this feature. The word "tubercle" comes from the Latin "tuberculum", meaning a small swelling or lump.

Description

Darwin's tubercle is a small, pointed, and often slightly raised area on the rim of the outer ear. It is found at the junction of the upper and middle thirds of the helix. It is present in approximately 10% of the population and can occur on one or both ears. The presence or absence of this feature is a simple genetic trait. Individuals who have at least one parent with a Darwin's tubercle are more likely to have the feature themselves.

Historical significance

Darwin's tubercle is of historical interest because it was one of the pieces of evidence used by Charles Darwin to argue for his theory of evolution. In The Descent of Man, Darwin described the tubercle as a vestigial feature, a remnant of a larger shape that the human ear might have had in the past. This interpretation is still a subject of debate among scientists.

Related terms

• Helix: The outer rim of the ear, where Darwin's tubercle is located.
• Vestigial feature: A feature that has lost most or all of its original function through evolution.
• Charles Darwin: The naturalist who first described Darwin's tubercle and its possible evolutionary significance.

See also

• Ear
• Evolution
• Genetics

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