Question 2 of 21

About how many people in the U.S. undergo an appendectomy each year?

... Around 300,000 people undergo an appendectomy each year, and 300 die from appendix-related problems.

Question 3 of 21

According to a 2009 publication by Duke University, what is the role of the appendix?

... Some scientists believe that the role of the appendix is to provide a safe haven for healthy bacteria that are vital to digestion.

Question 4 of 21

What body part is actually the remnant of an ancient human tail?

... The coccyx, commonly known as the tailbone, is all that remains of the human tail.

Question 5 of 21

About 90 percent of humans still have a plantaris muscle, which was once used for what purpose?

... The plantaris muscle was once used for grasping objects with the feet.

Question 6 of 21

Though no longer needed, most humans still carry a non-functioning gene that was once capable of producing this nutrient.

... Humans still carry a dormant gene that could once produce vitamin C.

Question 7 of 21

Some humans still have a subclavius muscle, which was once used for this purpose.

... The subclavius muscle allowed humans to walk on all fours.

Question 8 of 21

What terms describes the reappearance of a lost organ once thought lost to evolution?

... Atavism describes the reappearance of a long-lost organ.

Question 9 of 21

One in 500 people still have this astonishing extra bone.

... Cervical ribs can cause problems with nerves and movement.

Question 10 of 21

Once considered an unneeded organ, this body part is now recognized for the role it plays in heart health.

... The spleen helps keep the heart healthy.

Question 11 of 21

Erector pili, better known as these, were once used to help ward off predators.

... Goose bumps would once help raise the hair on the body to make a person appear larger.

Question 12 of 21

What term is used to describe organs that no longer serve a known function?

... Vestigial organs are those rendered obsolete thanks to evolution.

Question 13 of 21

What percentage of the population maintains a healthy set of wisdom teeth, or third molars?

... Just 5 percent of the population has a healthy set of wisdom teeth; Most people have to get them removed.

Question 14 of 21

Which surprising vestigial feature is found on whales?

... Whales have a small pair of underdeveloped rear legs.

Question 15 of 21

What unnecessary feature do the ostrich and emu share?

... Both the ostrich and emu have wings, yet neither is able to fly.

Question 16 of 21

Which animal has a small, unnecessary skin bump known as Darwin's tubercle that was once used to improve hearing?

... Humans have a small bump on the outer ear that was once part of a larger structure used to enhance hearing.

Question 17 of 21

What name is given to the unneeded claw found on dogs and cats that rarely touches the ground?

... The dewclaw no longer touches the ground when a modern animal runs, and is considered unnecessary.

Question 18 of 21

The plica semilunaris, better known as this, is a vestigial feature found in humans.

... The plica semilunaris is better known as the third eyelid.

Question 19 of 21

What unneeded feature is found in the modern human ear?

... Small muscles in the human ear are not developed enough to allow humans to wiggle their ears like a monkey.

Question 20 of 21

What did Darwin claim was the purpose for the appendix?

... Darwin believed that the appendix was meant for digesting plant cellulose.

Question 21 of 21

What vestigial body part is shared by salamanders and some fish?

... Salamanders and cavefish have eyes, but see not.

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