Question

Why do we call apendix as a vastigial organ

Answer 1

Answer:

A Vestigial organ is an organ which is not functional and retained during the course of evolution. They act as evidences of evolution. The Appendix is located attached to the cecum (large intestine). Human ancestors possessed this organ which helped them in digesting plant food. It is suggested that the appendix contained beneficial bacteria that produce cellulase enzyme to digest the tough plant cell that is made up of a polysaccharide called cellulose. However, certain theories suggest that the change in diet pattern during the course of human evolution (from vegetarianism to non-vegetarianism) led to the loss of function of the appendix and eventually becoming a vestigial organ. That is our ancestors should have been vegetarians who needed cellulase enzyme (in appendix) whereas most humans today do not need cellulase enzyme as we don't eat raw plant-based food. The organ that did not have any role now, turned out to be vestigial.

Explanation:

But the scientific community is still debating on the topic. Several functions of the appendix have been identified in the recent past which includes,

• Role of appendix in the first line of defence in the immune system.

• Source of beneficial microbes that aid in digestion

• Used as a graft for many reconstructive surgeries like ureter replacement and sphincter muscle replacement.

Due to all these findings, scientists believes that the appendix could no longer be called vestigial organ.