Question

How many of the following statements is/are completely correct regarding the vestigial organs found in humans?

A. Coccyx, vermiform appendix, excessive body hair are vestigial organs.
B. Long and pointed canine teeth, coccyx, vermiform appendix are vestigial organs.
C. Pelvic girdle, third molars (wisdom teeth), nipples in males are vestigial organs.
D. Nictitating membrane, auricular muscles of pinna, third molars (wisdom teeth) are vestigial organs.

Answer 1

The structures present in an organism that have lost all or most of their original form and function, in the course of evolution, are called vestigial organs. In humans, the vestigial organs include the muscles of the ear (auricular muscles), third molars (wisdom teeth), the vermiform appendix, the coccyx, excessive body hair, nipples in males and the semilunar fold in the corner of the eye (remnants of nictitating membrane).


Statements A and D include combinations of all the vestigial organs, which is not the case for B and C. Thus, statements A and D are completely correct and B and C are not completely correct because long pointed canine teeth and pelvic girdles are not vestigial organs in humans. Hence, only 2 among 4 statements are correct.