Reduced features retained from ancestors that have lost most of their original function, such as the human appendix.
Examples include the human appendix and tailbone, pelvic bones in whales and wings of flightless birds. These organs have lost most or all of their original function, although some retain a new minor function.
They are expected when function declines and selection is relaxed.
Reduced features retained from ancestors that have lost most of their original function, such as the human appendix.
Vestigial Structures is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Analogous Structures, Homologous Structures, Common Ancestry.
Some blind cave fish retain eye remnants under skin.
Vestigial Structures is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Evolution that pair well with it include Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin.
The closest topics to Vestigial Structures are Analogous Structures, Homologous Structures, Common Ancestry, Speciation. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Vestigial Structures. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Vestigial Structures: Reduced features retained from ancestors that have lost most of their original function, such as the human appendix. Analogous Structures: Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Analogous Structures and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings.
🦎 EvolutionBody parts with similar structure from a common ancestor but different functions, like a human arm and bat wing.
🦎 EvolutionAll living things descend from shared ancestors, evidenced by universal DNA and genetic code.
🦎 EvolutionThe formation of new species when populations diverge enough to become reproductively isolated.
🦎 Evolution