Vestigial Structures

These are examples of human anatomy that are no longer needed for us to survive or to thrive, though in the past were much more

important.

Scientists believe the appendix used to be used as a storage place for the vital bacteria that help us digest our food. When humans were more spread out and had less contact with each other, they needed this storage of bacteria in case theirs was depleted from sickness, etc.

A small fold of tissue in the corner of the eye is considered a vestigial structure of the nictitating membrane, used in animals to moisten and protect the eye

Nictitating membrane of a chicken

Scientists believe that early humans ate a higher plant content diet, which required a large jaw, with more teeth. As our diet changed, the need for such a large jaw decreased, but the extra teeth haven’t evolved away yet.