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Vestigial Structures
- 1. Vestigial Characteristics Group42 Ricky Baker Kimberly Melara Jay Paulson Jessica Perry Jamie Thomas
- 2. What Are VestigialStructures? “ Leftovers” A structure of marginal importance to an organism Historical Remnants that once had important functions in ancestors
- 3. How Do VestigialStructures Relate to Evolution? Evidence for Evolution Homology: shows a common ancestry between related organisms Closely related species = closely related features Homologous Structures: Represent Variations of structural themes present in common ancestors Unlikely that such similarities will appear by “chance” in different species
- 4. Examples of VestigialStructures in Humans The coccyx, or tailbone(a remnant of a lost tail) has lost its original function in assisting balance and mobility Wisdom teeth are vestigial third molars that human ancestors used to help in grinding down plant tissue to compensate for a lack of ability to efficiently digest cellulose
- 5. Other VestigialCharacteristics in Humans Erector Pili, which form goosebumps under stress. The function was to raise the body's hair, making one appear larger to scare off predators. The ability to wiggle one's ears Used by ancestors to turn their ears toward sounds.
- 6. Vestigial Structures inOther Animals Baleen whales have very small, unformed hind legs that were most likely used to walk on land.
- 7. Blind Mole Ratshave tiny eyes that are covered by a thin layer of skin, rendering the eyes useless
- 8. The Emu, Ostrich,Cassowary and Penguin are all incapable of flight yet they have wings.
- 9. Bibliography Cooper, Rachele."Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth? » Scienceline." Scienceline. 5 Feb. 2007. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. Culluphid, Oolon. "The Human Coccyx and Appendix: A Study in Vestigiality." Oolon Colluphid's Guide to Creation. 2007. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. Spinney, Laura. "Five Things Humans No Longer Need." New Scientist. 19 May 2008. Web. 11 Oct. 2010. "Top 10 Useless Limbs (and Other Vestigial Organs) | LiveScience." LiveScience | Science, Technology, Health & Environmental News. Web. 12 Oct. 2010. "Vestigiality." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 12 Oct. 2010.