Expert: Xxx Xxxxx - 10/21/2003

Question
Hi, I'm doing a project about the evolution of horses, and a friend of mine who is doing the same project recommended this web site to me. So, I would really appreciate it if you could answer this question:

1) What are vestigial nubbins?

THANK YOU!

Answer
Hello Pearl!

Vestigial nubbins, when talking about horse evolution, refers to the toes that become useless through time (the first horses had many toes which dwindled down to one in mobern horses), yet are still present as flesh or bone or both.  In modern whales, for example, there are vestigial bones that suggest hips and hind limbs, though they are not visible on the outside of the animal.  I think the large snakes might have the same thing going on.

Does that help?  Good luck with your project!

Best,

Rick Spears

PS:  If I ever start a rock band, we'll call ourselves The Vestigial Nubbins!  HA!  OK, maybe not.