In humans, the appendix is small and is not needed for digestion. In rabbits, the appendix is well developed and is used in the digestion of plant fibers.Which of the following provides the best scientific explanation for the presence of the appendix in both humans and rabbits?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The appendix in both humans and rabbits is best explained by the concept of common ancestry. This suggests that the presence of the appendix in both species is due to their evolutionary history, where they inherited this organ from a common ancestor. Over time, the function of the appendix may have evolved differently in the two lineages, becoming vestigial in humans while remaining functional in rabbits for the digestion of plant fibers.

In Humans, the Appendix Is Small and Is Not Needed