Question

What is the vermiform appendix? Why do we call it a vestigial organ?

Answer 1

Vermiform appendix:

1. It is a small finger-like outgrowth of the caecum present in humans.
2. This organ is quite large in herbivorous animals since it helps in digesting cellulose.
3. Humans mostly consume cooked food. Hence, the vermiform appendix has little role to play in cellulose digestion.

Vermiform appendix (a vestigial organ):

1. Vestigial organs are those organs that are present in the body but do not perform any function.
2. Although these organs do not have any apparent function, they are considered to be fully developed and functional in related ancestors.
3. It is believed that the vermiform appendix was functional in human ancestors as they used to consume raw plant material as food and the vermiform appendix helped in digesting cellulose.
4. As human beings evolved, they began eating soft-cooked food. Due to this, the vermiform appendix in present humans does not have any particular function and is called a vestigial organ.