Vestigial (Adjective)
Meaning
Not fully developed in mature animals; "rudimentary wings".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The vestigial tailbone in humans is a remnant of our evolutionary past, serving no functional purpose in modern times.
- Some species of snakes have vestigial limbs, which are small, non-functional leg bones buried beneath their scales.
- The vestigial wings of the ostrich are a reminder that its ancestors were once capable of flight.
- Whales have vestigial pelvis bones, a leftover from their land-dwelling ancestors.
- The vestigial eyes of certain cave-dwelling fish have lost their functionality due to the absence of light in their environment.