Which of the following is not a vestigial organ?

Options

A. Scalp hair
B. Epiglottis
C. Vermiform appendix
D. Wisdom tooth

Answer

To determine which of the following is not a vestigial organ, we first need to understand what vestigial organs are. Vestigial organs are those that were once functional in the evolutionary past but have lost their primary function over time, rendering them nearly useless in the current organism.

1. **Identify Vestigial Organs**:
- Vestigial organs are remnants of structures that had a function in ancestral species but are no longer useful in the same way in modern organisms.

2. **Analyze the Options**:
- Let's look at the options provided:
- **Scalp**: The scalp is not considered a vestigial organ; it serves protective and sensory functions.
- **Epiglottis**: The epiglottis is a cartilaginous structure that acts as a flap to prevent food from entering the windpipe (larynx) during swallowing. It has a clear and important function in the body.

3. **Conclusion**:
- Since the epiglottis serves a vital role in the swallowing process and is not a remnant of a lost function, it is not a vestigial organ. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is that the **epiglottis is not a vestigial organ**.