Vestigial Organs?

I wouldn't use the appendix as an example of a vestigial organs. Studies into the distribution of the appendix and appendix-like organs in animals suggest that it is adaptive.One possible function for the appendix is that it is there to reseed the gut with bacteria following a bout of diarrhea. This would also explain why removing the appendix is not harmful - the only societies which can safely remove an appendix are also societies in which diarrhea does not carry a significant risk of death.My favourite example of vestigiality is stotting in Svalbard Reindeer.

I must disagree. From the course on evolution I'm currently studying:

quote:

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Vestigial features, structures, biochemical pathways or behaviours are not currently adaptive, at least not in free living stages, although they may facilitate embryonic development

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By your definition, the bones of the ear are vestigial jaws, birds wings are vestigial legs, legs themselves are vestigial fins, and so on - that's not right.

Hmm, interesting point. One would naturally include Ostrich Wings as vestigial but they're also functional... hmm... I'm not sure what the best way through that is.

Yes, I realise that, Dwise's definition does not allow for it, however.