Vestigial Structures
A vestigial structure is an organ or part of an animal that has lost all or most of its original function as it goes through life. An example of this would be the humans appendix, they get them removed because they are no longer a necessity to have for any reason. The Gray Wolf's only vestigial structure would be the dewclaws, the fifth toes on its hind legs. It has no purpose there because it doesn't really do anything because its to far up the leg to help it walk, run, or lay down, or anything else. Most dogs have this structure as long with coyotes and other wolfs.
A vestigial structure is an organ or part of an animal that has lost all or most of its original function as it goes through life. An example of this would be the humans appendix, they get them removed because they are no longer a necessity to have for any reason. The Gray Wolf's only vestigial structure would be the dewclaws, the fifth toes on its hind legs. It has no purpose there because it doesn't really do anything because its to far up the leg to help it walk, run, or lay down, or anything else. Most dogs have this structure as long with coyotes and other wolfs.
