Vestigiality

Vestigiality refers to genetically determined structures or attributes that have apparently lost most or all of their ancestral function in a given species, but have been retained during the process of evolution.

Definition and related concepts

In the context of evolutionary biology, a vestigial organ is an organ that has lost all or most of its original function in the course of evolution. This is often the result of changes in the environment or behavior of the species.

Examples of vestigiality

Examples of vestigiality can be found in many species. For instance, the human body contains a number of vestigial structures, such as the appendix, wisdom teeth, and the coccyx or tailbone.

Vestigiality and evolution

Vestigiality is evidence for evolution. It provides examples of evolutionary changes and patterns. Vestigial structures can be compared to structures in other related species in order to determine the lineage of a species.

See also

• Atavism
• Evolutionary biology
• Human vestigiality
• Obsolescence

References

Vestigiality Resources
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