Which of the following is an example of a vestigial structure?

Study for the DAT Quantitative Reasoning Test with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations. Hone your skills and get ready for your exam!

The human appendix is recognized as a vestigial structure, which refers to an anatomical feature that has lost most or all of its original function through the course of evolution. In ancestral species, the appendix likely played a role in digestion, specifically in the breakdown of cellulose from plant material, which was significant for herbivorous diets. However, in modern humans, the appendix has no essential digestive function, although some research suggests it may have a role in maintaining gut flora.

In contrast, the other options presented represent functional adaptations for survival and do not qualify as vestigial structures. Bird wings, for instance, are specialized for flight and serve a specific purpose in locomotion and mobility. Whale fins are also vital adaptations that facilitate swimming and navigating through water. Bat sonar, or echolocation, is a critical sensory adaptation that allows bats to navigate and hunt in the dark. These features are examples of evolutionary modifications that enhance survival rather than remnants of lost functions.

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