Question

Many people believe the human appendix is useless. Will it become smaller and smaller with each generation?

   Many people believe the human appendix is useless. Will it become smaller and smaller with each generation?

Biological Psychology

Biological Psychology

James W. Kalat 13th Edition

Chapter 4, Problem 10

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Samia Islam

10/09/2020

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These are organs that were once useful in our evolutionary past but are no longer needed. The human appendix and tailbone are examples of such organs. Show more…

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Many people believe the human appendix is useless. Will it become smaller and smaller with each generation?

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Key Concepts

Natural Selection and Evolutionary Pressure

Natural selection drives the evolution of traits based on their contribution to an organism’s reproductive success. For a trait, such as an organ’s size, to noticeably change across generations, there must be a selective pressure that favors the alteration. If an organ does not impose a significant disadvantage or may even offer a minor benefit, natural selection may not favor its reduction, meaning its size may remain relatively stable over time.

Vestigial Structures

Vestigial structures are anatomical features that once had a significant function but have become reduced over time. While they may appear to be useless, vestigial organs can sometimes retain minor roles or be repurposed for new functions. Their persistence in organisms is often due to the lack of a strong negative impact on overall fitness, rather than an active benefit.

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