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It shows that the organism once had a fully functioning organ/structure, but due to some kind of environmental pressure, that organ was no longer beneficial. Because it was no longer beneficial, it was actually detrimental, because the organism required energy to grow these organs, now wasted energy.

Evolution's mechanism is natural selection. This organ is now being selected against, organisms that grew smaller ones now had an advantage over ones with larger ones. So over time, the average size of that organ within the population will shrink, and it will be considered vestigial when it no longer serves its original function.

There's a reason why vestigial organs do not disappear completely, and that's because when the organ is so small and the organism is not wasting as much energy to grow it, it is no longer being selected against. Or in some cases the vestigial organ does have a tiny bit of use and is now beneficial.

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12y ago

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How do vestigial structures indicate that present day organisms are different from their ancient ancestors?

Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or features that were functional in an organism's ancestors but have reduced or lost their original function over time. The presence of these structures suggests that present-day organisms have undergone evolutionary changes from their ancient ancestors. These structures provide evidence for common ancestry and support the theory of evolution.


What Scientific reasoning of how a vestigial organ is evidence of evolution?

Vestigial organs are remnants of structures that were functional in our ancestors but no longer serve a purpose in modern organisms. The presence of these non-functional structures suggests that they have evolved from ancestral forms where they had a function. This supports the theory of evolution by providing evidence of how species have changed over time through natural selection and adaptation to new environments.


What theory does the fossil record support?

It is generally thought to support the Theory of Evolution.


How As a fundamental concept of biological science evolution is supported by multiple forms of observable evidence. supports the theory of evolution?

The theory of evolution is supported by various forms of evidence, such as fossil records showing gradual changes in species over time, similarities in DNA between different species indicating common ancestry, observed speciation events, and the presence of vestigial structures in organisms. These lines of evidence provide a robust foundation for the theory of evolution as a fundamental concept in biological science.


What shows evidence of evolution?

Fossil records, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and observed natural selection in various species all provide evidence supporting the theory of evolution. Additionally, geographical distribution of species and the occurrence of vestigial structures in organisms offer further insights into evolutionary processes.


Are humans with tails strengthen Darwin's Theory of Evolution?

Our vestigial tail, the coccyx, shows that we have common ancestry with primates ( monkeys ) that have tails. We, the apes, have vestigial tails preforming some other function than the tails did in monkeys. So, the theory of evolution by natural selection, which posited common descent, would be supported by such a piece of evidence.


What are the four pieces of evidence that support the theory of evolution?

The four pieces of evidence that support the theory of evolution are the fossil record showing transitional forms, homologous structures in different species indicating a common ancestor, genetic similarities between different species, and observable examples of natural selection in action.


How does observed evolutionary change support the scientific theory of evolution?

The theory predicts that evolution will happen and in certain ways. The observed evolution makes this prediction correct. It also defines evolution as happening, and as such is perfect evidence in support of it.


Do you believe that this evidence gives support to the theory of evolution?

I do not so much " believe it " as I an convinced by the myriad lines of converging evidences that support the theory of evolution by natural selection. talkorigins.org


How does the modern theory of evolution explain the loss of vestigial organs?

Use it or lose it. (If it's no longer functional, then any gene mutations that occur will not be weeded out.)


How does modern biology support the theory of evolution?

In every way.


How does Josiah Strong show that he supports the theory of evolution?

There is strong support for the theory of evolution due to fossils that have been found by archeologists. The fossil records show evidence of evolution over billions of years.