Question

Vestigial structures, such as hip bones in whales and appendixes

in humans, are those that have little or no function for the
organism. What is the most likely reason for this loss of function
over time?
The organism is undergoing speciation.
The organism is experiencing genetic drift.
The structure was over utilized by the organism.
The structure was not highly beneficial to the organism.

Answer 1

A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Humans used to use the appendix for good bacterial health in the gut. People used to drink dirty water and eat food that had lots of bacteria. The appendix would save them from infection.

Answer 2

The structure was not highly beneficial to the organism. Hence the correct option is d.

The presence of vestigial structures, such as hip bones in whales and appendixes in humans, suggests a historical evolutionary process where these structures have lost their original functions over time. The most likely reason for this loss of function is that the structures were not highly beneficial to the organisms in their current environments.

As species evolve and adapt to changing ecological conditions, certain features that were once advantageous may become unnecessary or even burdensome. In the case of vestigial structures, they often represent remnants from ancestral forms where the structures had functional roles. However, as the environment, lifestyle, or dietary habits of the organisms changed, these structures gradually lost their significance.

Natural selection tends to favor traits that enhance survival and reproduction, and if a particular structure provides little or no advantage, it may undergo a reduction or loss of function over successive generations. The phenomenon of vestigial structures thus reflects the dynamic nature of evolution and the continual adaptation of organisms to their changing surroundings. Hence the correct option is d.