Vestigial Structures

Definition

Vestigial structures are anatomical features or behaviors that no longer seem to have a purpose in the current form of an organism. These often functioned in a way that was important for the organism's ancestors.

Related terms

Evolution:

The process by which different kinds of living organisms developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of Earth.

Natural Selection:

The process whereby organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

Adaptation:

A change or the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.