Vestigial

Definition

Reduced to a functionless remnant or trace; referring to a structure, organ, or practice that has lost most or all of its original purpose through evolution or disuse. In humans, the appendix is a classic example.

Example Usage

The tailbone is a vestigial remnant from our primate ancestors.

Origin

From Latin 'vestigium' (footprint, trace) + '-al' suffix; used in evolutionary biology since the 19th century.

Fun Fact

Vestigial structures provide strong evidence for evolution, as they represent evolutionary baggage that natural selection hasn't fully eliminated.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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