Definition
Reduced to a functionless remnant or trace; referring to a structure, organ, or practice that has lost most or all of its original purpose through evolution or disuse. In humans, the appendix is a classic example.
Example Usage
The tailbone is a vestigial remnant from our primate ancestors.
Origin
From Latin 'vestigium' (footprint, trace) + '-al' suffix; used in evolutionary biology since the 19th century.
Fun Fact
Vestigial structures provide strong evidence for evolution, as they represent evolutionary baggage that natural selection hasn't fully eliminated.
Source: Definition backfill (hailey)
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