Why do whale embryos have legs, and human embryos tails?

Answer 1

Because whales and humans have genes that are remnants of evolutionary ancestors. While whales don't have legs and humans don't have tails when fully developed at birth, these genes do get expressed temporarily during development of the embryo.

Answer 2

Whale Embryo

Answer 3

It's called a "vestigial structure". Structures or organs which have lost all or most of their original function in a species through evolution. They are typically in a degenerate, atrophied, or rudimentary condition.

"In whales and other cetaceans, one can find small vestigial leg bones deeply buried within the back of the body. These are remnants of their land-living ancestors' legs. Many whales also have undeveloped, unused, pelvis bones in the anterior part of their torsos."

"The coccyx, or tailbone, is the remnant of a lost tail. All mammals have a tail at one point in their development; in humans, it is present for a short time during embryonic development. The tailbone, located at the end of the spine, has lost its original function in assisting balance and mobility, though it still serves some secondary functions, such as being an attachment point for muscles, which explains why it has not degraded further. In rare cases it can persist after birth and must be surgically removed."

"Vestigiality" : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestigial

Answer 4

this supports the theory of evolution

Answer 5

that's wierd, hope you get an answer