Question

Which of the following is not a vestigial organ in man?

• A. Nail
• B. Tail vertebra
• C. Wisdom tooth
• D. Vermiform appendix

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Nail

The correct option is (A)

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Nails are present in the fingers and toes of human beings.
2. It is made of keratin which is a protein also found in hairs.
3. Earlier, nails served a different function of gripping, scratching, and clawing but as we evolve the function of nails now is different.
4. Nails serve as a shield to the sensitive tips of toes and fingers.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option B:

1. The vestigial organ served as a tail in mammals helping in maintaining balance.
2. The tail is now reduced to the coccyx which is present at the end of the vertebral column.

Option C:

1. Humans earlier used the wisdom tooth to tear raw meat and flesh but as eating habits changed the use of wisdom tooth became minimal.
2. The wisdom tooth is a vestigial organ as it does not serve any useful function now.

Option D:

1. Located on the right side of the lower part of the abdomen.
2. It is a vestigial organ as it does not have any use in the human body currently.

Final answer:

Hence, the nail is not a vestigial organ in man.