54 WHAT EVOLUTION IS 



surgeon and even in normal condi- 

 tions it is frequently excised as a pre- 

 cautionary measure. No one is known 

 to suffer anv inconvenience from its 

 loss ; in fact a person is commonly re- 

 garded as better off without it than 

 with it. In consequence of its com- 

 plete lack of function, it is a thor- 

 oughly good example of a rudimentary 

 organ. 



The condition of the vermiform 

 appendix in man is by no means 

 typical of this organ in other mam- 

 mals. Cats show no sign of it, but in 

 rabbits it is a highly developed struc- 

 ture and is intimately concerned in this 

 animal with the regular activities of 

 the large intestine. 



Other rudimentary organs in man 

 are easily pointed out. The external 

 ear of the human being has attached 

 to it three thin muscles, one above the 

 ear, a second behind that organ, and a 



