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Goose bumps are an example of a vestigial human reaction to stress. The formation of goose bumps in humans under stress is a vestigial reflex ; a possible function in the distant evolutionary ancestors of humanity was to raise the body's hair, making the ancestor appear larger and scaring off predators.
Later versions of Wiedersheim's list were expanded to as many as 180 human "vestigial organs". This is why the zoologist Horatio Newman said in a written statement read into evidence in the Scopes Trial that "There are, according to Wiedersheim, no less than 180 vestigial structures in the human body, sufficient to make of a man a veritable ...
Humans have many vestigial body parts that may have been useful for our ancestors but are obsolete for us. Useless body parts explained: Show comments. Advertisement. Advertisement.
"The vestigiality of the human vermiform appendix: A Modern Reappraisal"—evolutionary biology argument that the appendix is vestigial; Smith HF, Fisher RE, Everett ML, Thomas AD, Bollinger RR, Parker W (October 2009). "Comparative anatomy and phylogenetic distribution of the mammalian cecal appendix". Journal of Evolutionary Biology.
The vomeronasal organ plays an important role with its sensitivity toward chemicals that are related to mating or sensing prey. For example, snakes use the organ to detect the presence of prey or predator by gathering chemical cues in the environment through the flicking behavior of the forked tongue.
These body parts can be classed as additional to the required functioning of the body. In human anatomy , the vermiform appendix is sometimes classed as a vestigial remnant. Prosthesis is an artificial extension that replaces a body part, [ 9 ] and cybernetics is the study of computer technology in relation to organisms, which can include ...
The pineal gland (also known as the pineal body [1] or epiphysis cerebri) is a small endocrine gland in the brain of most vertebrates. It produces melatonin , a serotonin -derived hormone , which modulates sleep patterns following the diurnal cycles . [ 2 ]
While the shape of the human navel may be affected by long term changes to diet and exercise, unexpected change in shape may be the result of ascites. [ 10 ] In addition to change in shape being a possible side effect from ascites and umbilical hernias, the navel can be involved in umbilical sinus or fistula, which in rare cases can lead to ...