Although They Serve No Known Current Functions, Vestigial Traits May

question 17

Multiple Choice

Although they serve no known current functions, vestigial traits may persist in some organisms for all of the following reasons EXCEPT that

• A) the trait is not costly to the organism.
• B) the trait has some function that we have not identified.
• C) there is some natural selection against the trait, and it is on its way out-eventually it will be lost.
• D) natural selection cannot act to eliminate traits.

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Definitions:

Carpal Bone

One of the eight small bones that make up the wrist (carpus) that connects the hand to the forearm, allowing for the wrist's complex range of movement.

Epiphysis

Portion of a bone developed from a secondary ossification center and separated from the remainder of the bone by the epiphyseal plate.

Tibia

A large bone located in the lower leg between the knee and ankle, known as the shinbone.

Sharpey Fibers

Collagenous fibers that anchor the periosteum to the bone, providing structural support.