HTTP:: The Evolution of the Appendix
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The human appendix, a blind-ended tube connected to the cecum, was believed to be just a useless evolutionary remnant, which served no practical purpose, for a long time. That was until two years ago, when researchers finally managed to discover that the location served as a safe-haven for good bacteria, which repopulated the intestines after a dangerous disease. Now, the same scientists are back, with the first-ever history of the appendix, both in humans and in other species. According to their work, the appendix is a structure that is a lot older than first estimated, and which plays an essential part in ensuring the recovery of the intestines following illnesses. It plays the same role in humans and other animals, and its origins can be traced back to more than 80 million years ago. “Maybe it's time to correct the textbooks. Many biology texts today still refer to the appendix as a 'vestigial organ,'†Duke University Assistant Professor of Surgical Sciences William!
Parker, PhD, explains. He is also the senior author of the new study, which appears in the latest issue of the Journal of Evolutionary Biology. “Darwin simply didn't have access to the information we have. If Darwin had been aware of the species that have an appendix attached to a large cecum, and if he had known about the widespread nat...
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