What Are Vestigial Features?

Vestigial features are traits and characteristics leftover from evolution that are not useful for survival. Vestigial features are usually not important for the survival of the present-day animal, but may have been important for the ancestors of the animal. These features are left over due to evolution and will still be found in present day organisms. Over time, the trait will go away. Humans have many vestigial features such as tailbone, wisdom teeth, and goosebumps! Other animals also have vestigial features such as wings on flightless birds and even eyes on blind bats.

Check out the Spectacular Science video below about goosebumps, a vestigial feature in humans!

Video not working? Click here: youtu.be/kf9Y6DClBmo