I hate coming to the dentist, why do we even have wisdom teeth?
Examples in humans
ZZZZ....
Years Prior (back in grade 11 biology)
- Structures that were once functional, now are unnecessary- Structures or traits that no longer serve the same purpose they formerly did in a particular species.- Body parts that were used by ancestors which no longer serve a purpose
Vestigial structures, are traits or specific body parts that now serve a different purpose than before, or render entirely useless.
A great example of this in nature is, whales having pelvic bones that are inherited through their ancestors who used to be land mammals.
Vestigial Structures
Back to the present
- The appendix- Tailbone (coccyx)- Wisdom teeth etc...
Like whales, humans also have vestigial structures. Some examples include, the appendix, the tailbone, and also wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth are probably the best example when coming to learn about vestigial structures in humans
- Originally inherited through our great ancestors, the purpose was to help chew through rough food better- Wisdom teeth are no longer needed as they only just cause discomfort now, and modern food nowadays is cooked, meaning way easier to chew
Our ancestors actually needed them to help them with their daily lives. Since food was often eaten raw and rarely cooked
But now there is no purpose of having them at all, exactly like other vestigial structures in humans, and all other animals in the world
Wisdom Teeth
Before modern technology, our ancestors would often eat meat, leaves, nuts etc.. Which furthered the purpose of having extra molars
NO! I always fell asleep during those classes
Can you please just get this over and done with, I cant deal with this pain!!
The End
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