A useless or rudimentary body part that is thought to have been important in ancestral populations but no longer has a known function is termed a(n)________.
A) evolved structure
B) terminal structure
C) vestigial structure
D) residual structure

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The term "vestigial structure" refers to a body part that was functional in ancestral populations but has lost its original function in the course of evolution. These structures are thought to persist because they do not impose a significant disadvantage to the organism, either in terms of metabolic cost or the risk of mutation. Examples of vestigial structures in humans include the appendix, wisdom teeth, and the coccyx (tailbone).

A Useless or Rudimentary Body Part That Is Thought to Have