our appendix is basically useless to us, right? so i was wondering why we have one. has anyone heard or does anyone have any theories about what the use of the appendix was for early humans and if so, what are they?
we are learning about evolution in biology and i asked this question today and my teacher didn't know the answer...
2007-01-18 15:28:24 · 4 answers · asked by emily.grace 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
The first responder is right, It was used to digest fiborous foods down more.
An example scientist have found was the rabbit, its appendix is larger.
It can also just catch diseases. Like if you are vegitarian, your appendix is still gonna be small cause its still not sufficient
2007-01-18 16:40:41 · answer #1 · answered by -Eugenious- 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The appendix is a vestige -- a remnant. It carries an important function. It samples the environment of the gut, exposing the immune system. There are other sites in the gut that do it, also, so it is not essential. It could be considered the tonsils of the other end.
The appendix is a remnant of the cecum, a pouch where indigestible material could ferment and be slowly broken down by enzymes. This is inportant in herbivores.
2007-01-19 01:20:28 · answer #2 · answered by novangelis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think I read somewhere that it used to help us digest early food sources better. The bacteria helped to break it down so it could be absorbed. I don't remember where I read it. Try www.straightdope.com
2007-01-18 23:39:05 · answer #3 · answered by Jenr R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it was used to digest fibrous materials our ancestors ate
2007-01-18 23:37:13 · answer #4 · answered by wesnaw1 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋