Question

Which of the following is the correct group of vestigial organs in man?

• A. nictitating membrane, ear muscles, eyelids and coccyx
• B. appendix, coccyx, ear muscles and elbow joint
• C. wisdom tooth, coccyx, body hair and ear muscles
• D. wisdom tooth, body hairs, nictitating membrane and vermiform appendix.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

wisdom tooth, body hairs, nictitating membrane and vermiform appendix.

Answer 2

The organs which are present in reduced form and do not perform any function in the body but correspond to the fully developed functional organs of related animals are called vestigial organs. They are believed to be remnants of organs which were complete and functional in their ancestors. Human body has been described to possess about 90 vestigial organs. Some of these are nictitating membrane, muscles of pinna (part of external ear), vermiform appendix, caudal vertebrae (also called coccyx or tail bone), third molars (wisdom teeth), hair on body, and nipples in male.