Question

In human beings, vestigial organs are

• A. Wisdom tooth, coccyx, nail, auricular muscles
• B. Wisdom tooth, coccyx. eyelid, vermiform appendix
• C. Wisdom tooth, coccyx, vermiform appendix, pancreas and elbow joint
• D. Wisdom tooth, coccyx, vermiform appendix, nictitating membrane and auricular muscles

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Wisdom tooth, coccyx, vermiform appendix, nictitating membrane and auricular muscles

The correct option is D.

Explanation for the correct option:

Wisdom teeth:

1. Wisdom teeth were the last set of molars that were used by our ancestors.
2. They were required to assist in chewing hard items such as roots and nuts.
3. These are no longer required hence they have become vestigial.

Coccyx:

1. It used to serve as a tail in our ancestors.
2. It helped in jumping from one tree to another.
3. Now, it's no longer used that way and serves to anchor a few muscles.

Vermiform appendix:

1. It was used by herbivorous ancestors.
2. It helped in digesting tough herbivore food items such as bark.
3. Now, it is vestigial and has very little use in the immune system.

Nictitating membrane:

1. It was used to protect and moisten the eyes while also maintaining vision.
2. it is also known as the third eyelid.
3. It is seen in fishes, reptiles and some animals like cats and camels.

Auricular muscles:

1. They were present above the outer ear.
2. iI was used for the movement of the ear to facilitate the entering of more sound waves.

Final answer: In human beings, vestigial organs are the wisdom tooth, coccyx, vermiform appendix, nictitating membrane and auricular muscles.