In the process of evolution, we stopped using some parts of our body and actions. Or maybe in vain?
Evolution is a slow process, to put it mildly. Moreover, in both directions. First, something develops for a long time, and then it dies for a long time. So, some organs, parts of the body or actions that were previously very necessary for us, today no longer fulfill their initial function (the process of changing the function is called exaptation), or do not perform any at all, but have not completely disappeared yet. True, few people know why we need them at all. We will tell you, and you can dream up whether you would like to return the original functions to these parts or not.
Scientists have spied the ancient tasks of elements that are already unnecessary to us from the closest primates and mammals, and this is the picture.
1. Coccyx
We all have ever fallen on him and know exactly where he is. The tailbone reminds us of the tails that were once lost, which helped to maintain balance and climb trees.In the course of evolution, it changed its function. Now it serves as a place of fastening for muscles. But we do not feel it, and outwardly it is not noticeable to us in any way.
2. Third eyelid
There is a small pad in the inner corner of the eye . This is our third eyelid - the membranous membrane that used to be fully functional. Scientists speculate that it blinked horizontally (like cats or birds). Today it no longer performs any function.
3. Darwin's tubercle
This is the name of a small bump (or bulge) on the inside of the ear. It was first described by Charles Darwin, for which the lump was named after it. It's actually one of the muscles under the scalp attached to the ears. Millions of years ago, these muscles allowed your ears to wiggle.and to better pick up sounds, spot predators, and find their young. Today cats and horses do it. True, some people also know how - this, one might say, is the residual effect of evolution. Can you?
4. Muscle on the wrist
Place your hand on a flat surface, palm up, connect your thumb and little finger. Does a bump appear on your wrist? This is the palmaris longus muscle of Palmaris longus. He has not appeared? Not scary, because it is absent in 18% of people. Evolution!
This muscle was needed to climb trees. Today it has remained with some primates, and in humans, as unnecessary, it has found useful use - as a material for plastic surgery .
5. Grasp reflex
It is present in newborns and then disappears. All young mothers remember how the baby automatically squeezes their finger if you put it in his fist.This reflex was inherent in primate cubs to be ready to grab onto their parents' fur for transport. True, for this you need to keep your head from birth and be able to move around yourself, which our newborns do not have.
6. Goosebumps
They can appear when we are scared or, conversely, when it is very pleasant. But in fact they are the remnants of wool, because our ancestors spent many, many years covered with it. In danger, wool stood on end to intimidate the enemy (to show that you are bigger and scarier than you are), and in cold weather it helped prevent heat loss in the same way.
The hair has peeled off us, the reflex has become unconscious and no longer has any useful function.
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