Vestigiality is the retention, during the process of evolution, of genetically determined structures or attributes that have lost some or all of the ancestral function in a given species. Assessment o
Darwin's tubercle (left) is a vestigial form of the ear tip (right) in the mammalian ancestors of humans—here shown in a crab-eating macaque.
Vestigial hindlegs (spurs) in a boa constrictor
The blind mole rat (Spalax typhlus) has tiny eyes completely covered by a layer of skin.
The uniform of the German Feldgendarmerie during WW2, complete with gorget.
In the context of human evolution, vestigiality involves those traits occurring in humans that have lost all or most of their original function through evolution. Although structures called vestigial
Vestigiality
…Evolutionary anachronism Human vestigiality Maladaptation…
Ileum, caecum and colon of rabbit, showing Appendix vermiformis on fully functional caecum
Goose bumps are an example of a vestigial human reaction to stress.