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Vestigial structures are structures that no longer fulfill their original purpose. Take wisdom teeth in humans as an example of this. At one time, as we know from the fossil record, human jaws were larger and could accommodate those wisdom teeth. As jaws became smaller wisdom teeth erupted into too small a mouth more and more times over human evolution until very few mouths can accommodate the onset of these teeth and they now are generally pulled at eruption. So, we can see the history of human evolution in our teeth!
Evolution is the process of change in living organisms over time, driven by natural selection and other mechanisms. Vestigial structures are anatomical features that have lost their original function through evolution. Evolution can affect vestigial structures by causing them to become reduced in size, complexity, or usefulness as they are no longer needed for survival or reproduction in a changing environment.
Evolution is often categorized as 'change over time', although there are in fact six definitions of evolution:
1. Cosmic (the origin of the universe and its development)
2. Stellar (the origin of the stars)
3. Chemical (the origin of the chemical elements)
4. Organic (the origin of living things)
5. Macro (changes between kinds of animals)
6. Micro (changes within a kind of animal)
The last definition is the only one that can be studied empirically by observation and testing.
There are no such thing as 'vestigial' structures. All structures within living organisms serve a purpose - the appendix is part of the immune system, the 'pelvis' of the whale anchors its sex organs, the coccyx anchors muscles to enable us to defecate, the claws on a snake are used to anchor itself for mating etc.
This isn't simply the co-option of parts previously used for something else, but specific design. It would be detrimental to the survival of any animal to have something half way between its original use and its new use on or in its body during its process of evolving from one use to another, or at best provide no distinct advantage for natural selection to take place.
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Why are vestigal structures considered critical evidence of evolution?
Many species have vestigial structures, especially in the animal kingdom. Two good examples are the vestigial legs in whales and some snakes. This is clear evidence that whales and snakes are descended from creatures that had functional legs. This is strong evidence of evolution, since there is no other plausible explanation, religious or scientific, for vestigial structures.
What is the term for body parts that are reduced in size with no apparent function?
Body parts that are reduced in size with no apparent function would be vestigial limbs. Evolution could be at the root of the development of vestigial limbs. A good example would be a T-Rex with his tiny arms.
How does nuclear fusion affect stellar evolution?
Nuclear fusion affects stellar evolution by essentially halting all mitosis and miosis that any cells in a stellar evolution could experience, and they stunt the growth of the object.
What are your opinions on earth's climate change and how it can affect the evolution of biodiversity?
Climate change could reduce biodiversity by reducing the populations of many different types of plants and animals.
How could evolution of aerobic respiration have permitted evolution of more complex organisms?
Evolution of aerobic respiration allowed for more efficient production of ATP, providing more energy for cells. This surplus energy enabled cells to carry out more complex processes such as growth, development, and specialized functions. As organisms with aerobic respiration evolved, they were able to support larger, more complex body structures and systems, ultimately leading to the evolution of more complex organisms.
Why are vestigal structures considered critical evidence of evolution?
Many species have vestigial structures, especially in the animal kingdom. Two good examples are the vestigial legs in whales and some snakes. This is clear evidence that whales and snakes are descended from creatures that had functional legs. This is strong evidence of evolution, since there is no other plausible explanation, religious or scientific, for vestigial structures.
What is the term for body parts that are reduced in size with no apparent function?
Body parts that are reduced in size with no apparent function would be vestigial limbs. Evolution could be at the root of the development of vestigial limbs. A good example would be a T-Rex with his tiny arms.
How are scientists able to explain vestigial structures found in whales and some snakes?
These vestigial structure, hip bones and leg bones, attest to the land dwelling ancestor of whales and the leg bearing ancestor of snakes. The inference is rather simple in whales. How else could a water swimming animal posses vestigial legs. For light amusement read some of the creationist non explanations for these vestigial markers. talkorigins.org
What could affect specific heart structures?
Some sort of defect could change a structure in the heart
How does nuclear fusion affect stellar evolution?
Nuclear fusion affects stellar evolution by essentially halting all mitosis and miosis that any cells in a stellar evolution could experience, and they stunt the growth of the object.
What is a vestigial organ?
a Vestigial organ is an organ of the body that doesn't seem to serve any useful purpose, but similar organs in other animals do. It is supposed that our early ancestors had use for the organ but now, as we have evolved, the organ has become redundant. As we continue to evolve, we may lose it altogether. If the theory of evolution is correct, then many animals could be found with vestigial organs. For many years, it was thought that the appendix was vestigial and served no purpose. It was believed to be a vestigial form of the caecum found in many herbivores. Indeed, it probably is. However, we now know that it is wrong to believe the human appendix has no function. It is very important in developing the immune system in foetus and young child and may have a role in recycling haemoglobin from dead red blood cells. But it certainly has lost its role in digestion. It is interesting that organs are sometimes described as vestigial, simply because the scientists haven't yet worked out their real use.
How could the evolution of a characteristic within one species affect the evelution of a character within another species?
The evolution of a characteristic within one species could indirectly affect the evolution of a characteristic within another species through ecological interactions such as competition or predation. For example, if one species evolves a new defensive trait, it could influence the selection pressures on the predator species, leading to changes in its hunting strategies or morphology. This cascading effect can create a feedback loop where adaptations in one species drive adaptations in another.
How could the evolution of a characteristic within one species affect the evolution of a characteristic within another species?
A simple coevolution explanation here. A population of rabbits that is running faster, on average, over time is going to affect the population of foxes that pursue the rabbits as food. Some foxes will have variations that lead to faster running and these foxes will be the ones that are reproductively successful and give rise to following generations of foxes.
Charles Darwin concluded that in similar environments around the world could produce similar structures in unrelated species?
Yes, Charles Darwin observed that in similar environments, unrelated species could independently evolve similar adaptations to survive and thrive. This phenomenon is known as convergent evolution, where organisms facing similar selective pressures develop similar traits or structures. Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection explains how this process occurs over time.
What are some of the criticisms of the theory of evolution?
Some common criticisms of the theory of evolution include the lack of transitional fossils, the complexity of certain biological structures, and the inability to observe evolution happening in real-time. Additionally, some critics argue that evolution cannot account for the origin of life itself.
What are your opinions on earth's climate change and how it can affect the evolution of biodiversity?
Climate change could reduce biodiversity by reducing the populations of many different types of plants and animals.
Propose suggestions of things that could affect specific heart structures that in turn cause a malfunction in the flow of the blood through the heart or the body?
your mom, that is the answere :)
