Question

Which of the following sets, in a man includes vestigial organs?
A. Coccyx, vermiform appendix, and ear muscles
B. Body hair, atlas vertebra, and ear muscles
C. Coccyx, wisdom tooth, and patella
D. Body hair, cochlea, vermiform appendix, and tongue.

Answer 1

Vestigial organs are defined as rudimentary structures present in humans corresponding to a functional structure or organ in the ancestors. These organs were functional in the ancestral forms but now they become non-functional.

Complete answer: Vestigial organs are believed to be remnants of organs that were complete and functional in their ancestors. The observation of vestigial organs provides an evolutionary explanation of such rudimentary vestiges by providing a statement that adaptations to the new environment of the organism have made these structures redundant. Such structures are called vestigial organs.
-Coccyx, vermiform appendix, and ear muscles:- In humans muscles of the external ear and scalp are rudimentary and often non-functional. The non-functional tailbones and nictitating membrane of the eye and the appendix of the caecum, rudimentary body hair but they provide insulation, and wisdom teeth all are examples of vestigial organs.
-Body hair, atlas vertebra, and ear muscles:- The body hair performs the function of protection and insulation in humans, atlas vertebrae provide a structural framework to the body so it is not reduced but muscles of the external ear are non functional.
-Coccyx, wisdom tooth, and patella:- Coccyx is also known as tailbone and is present under the spine so it is reduced. Patella is the cap of the knee and helps in its movement so it is functional in humans.
-Body hair, cochlea, vermiform appendix, and tongue. :- tongue helps to detect the taste of the food and cochlea helps to collect sound from the external environment so it is also not reduced. Our required option is coccyx, vermiform appendix, and ear muscles
Hence, the correct answer is Option A.

Note: The reduced form of the reptilian jaw apparatus, the reduced form of the hind limbs of python and Greenland whales are some of the examples of vestigial organs. In humans, many vestigial structures indicate a relationship to other mammals, including the primates.