344 ANIMAL BIOLOGY 



are for the most part apparently functionless. In our 

 own bodies, for instance, there are several small muscles 

 attached to the ear some of which are entirely function- 

 less and others practically so. These muscles we find 

 much more highly developed in the lower mammals where 



FIG. 233. Rudimentary or vestigial and useless muscles of the human 

 ear. (From Romanes, after Gray.) 



they are of service in moving the ears. On the outer sur- 

 face of the ear there is in many people a small point which 

 represents the tip of the ear of lower mammals. The 

 vermiform appendix which is the cause of such frequent 

 trouble is the rudiment of an organ found in a much more 

 highly developed state in the lower mammals where it 



