10
QuizMultiple Choice

Biological Evidence and the Fossil Record — Quiz

Question 10 • Biology

Dogs have a reduced nonfunctional digit on their paws known as a dewclaw. What is this an example of?

Answer
A
homologous structure
B
vestigial structure
C
analogous structure
D
mutated structure

Explanation

A vestigial structure is a reduced body part that has little or no function, often remaining from an ancestor in which it was more useful. A dog’s reduced, nonfunctional dewclaw fits this definition, so it is a vestigial structure.

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