Anatomical Vestiges -- Evidence of Common Descent

Vash and I have been having a discussion on anatomical estiges over on The Definition for the Theory of Evolution.He seems to think common descent is bunk.Here is the anatomical vestiges link he has been referring to.I proposed I start a new topic and that we discuss them one at a time, starting with human embryonic tails.It's well known that, in rare cases, "true human tails" have been documented. It is also well known that a fetus grows, and the resorbs, an embryonic vestigial tail. Rational Response SquadThe tail's appearance and disappearance in utero is an atavistic trait. It's evidence of common descent.What's your take on it, vash?

Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

I would like to hear any ideas on the appendix, I have not read or heard anything in that vein for a while. I know there was speculation long ago that it was an aid to digestion, has anyone read or heard anything further or additional evidence to support this yet? I have been fascinated by this particular vestige organ for a while. The fact that it is not consistently located in the same place in the digestive tract leaves me a bit puzzled. It seems structurally to be similar to the gall bladder and prone to similar difficulties, obstruction due to mineral accumulations.I hope that this falls into the category you have created here.

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Idiots speak louder than words(yes its supposed to be ironical... twice)

Molbiogirl's link has this link within it:
Vestigiality of the human appendixIt examines in some detail the human appendix.

To sort of paraphrase Ned's link, the appendix has no known function. It does contain lymphoid tissue which serves an immunology function, but so does the rest of the digestive tract, and I can't see any reason why a lymphoid tissue needs to be contained in a blind sac. It certainly does not have any known digestive function. Some people are born without an appendix, some people have their appendix removed, and there are no ill effects that correlate with the absence of the appendix.What the appendix is similar to is the caecum in other primates (and other mammals). In these animals, the caecum does have a digestive function: it helps in the digestion of a diet of green leafy stuff with a lot of cellulose. In these animals, not only does the caecum have a function, but it is larger than the human appendix, and it is located in the same place.This is what makes it vestigial. It is clearly homologous to a functioning organ in closely related animals, but it no longer serves the same function, and, in fact, if it serves any function, the function is minor.

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I've done everything the Bible says, even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff! -- Ned Flanders

Chi, should vash show up here, I hope you'll stick around to help.

What does a perfect creation need an appendix for? I am more familiar with the appendix than I play, I am asking more in a rhetorical manner. My back ground does include quite a bit of medical experience. That's what I mean by digestive function, in the manner of a gall bladder in that it used to contribute digestive capacity/fluids. I think that it is more of a clue to common decent than vestige tails and such, but that's my opinion.Is Vash coming back? He is workin off his second banning, I imagine he will promptly get himself booted when he comes back so he can cry about how persecuted he is for his beliefs.-x

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Idiots speak louder than words(yes its supposed to be ironical... twice)

Oh 18! Help too please yes?

I'll bring some vomeronasal organs to the game if we manage to get it started.

eee hee hee!
This is going to be a par-TAY.

And a fun one if we ignore the guest of honor.

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I've done everything the Bible says, even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff! -- Ned Flanders

12 hours and counting.I'm hoping he won't continue his "Nuh-uh" routine. I'm not as patient as you are, Chi.To wit: But with you and 18 and Cora by my side, oh the wonders we will work!

My approach would be - and has been, until the thread I posted in was closed - to patiently ask questions, ignore any of the silly stuff, and just keep on pressing for honest answers.Edited by Parasomnium, : No reason given.

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"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science." - Charles Darwin.

Pars, in principle, I agree.I know you are familiar with his work, but for those who aren't.A taste of the vash to come: With minor editing for brevity's sake, this is nearly the entire opus from RAZD's thread.Content free, belligerent, and dragged a perfectly fine thread to its untimely death.

And he doesn't have any leniency left either. I don't think he'll be around much given his record so far.