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The appendix

The appendix. It’s considered to be a vestigial organ Vestigial = no functionality currently But did it have a function a long time ago?? Brainstorm…. consider the diet of our ancestors. BEFORE…..

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The appendix

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  1. The appendix • It’s considered to be a vestigial organ • Vestigial = no functionality currently • But did it have a function a long time ago?? • Brainstorm…. consider the diet of our ancestors

  2. BEFORE….. • The appendix helped digest the raw meat and cellulose diet of our ancestors using the bacteria it stored. NOW….. • appendix serves as a haven for useful bacteria when illness flushes those bacteria from the rest of the intestines.

  3. What about lactose intolerance? • The inability to digest dairy products because of lack of certain enzymes • Were we meant to have lactose tolerance? • Consider the fact that we are the only mammals who drink other animal’s milk after weaning • Brainstorm how lactose tolerance may have come about?

  4. As agriculture started being practiced it became advantageous to be able to digest dairy products • Those with a mutation in the lactase enzyme were able to do it! This enzyme in others became inactive after childhood

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