Remember how the appendix was a prime example of a vestigial organ, left over from Darwinian evolution? From ScienceDaily:
The appendix is a slender two- to four-inch pouch located near the juncture of the large and small intestines. While its exact function in humans has been debated by physicians, it is known that there is immune system tissue in the appendix.
The gut is populated with different microbes that help the digestive system break down the foods we eat. In return, the gut provides nourishment and safety to the bacteria. Parker now believes that the immune system cells found in the appendix are there to protect, rather than harm, the good bacteria.
For the past ten years, Parker has been studying the interplay of these bacteria in the bowels, and in the process has documented the existence in the bowel of what is known as a biofilm. This thin and delicate layer is an amalgamation of microbes, mucous and immune system molecules living together atop of the lining the intestines.
“Our studies have indicated that the immune system protects and nourishes the colonies of microbes living in the biofilm,” Parkers explained. “By protecting these good microbes, the harmful microbes have no place to locate. We have also shown that biofilms are most pronounced in the appendix and their prevalence decreases moving away from it.”
This new function of the appendix might be envisioned if conditions in the absence of modern health care and sanitation are considered, Parker said.
A detailed explanation follows, of the role the appendix might play in less hygienic conditions than those to which many today are accustomed (which were probably usual in the past).
Incidentally,
Other than humans, the only mammals known to have appendices are rabbits, opossums and wombats, and their appendices are markedly different than the human appendix.
Opossums and wombats? Bet they are different. The whole subject is confusing, but we are “aren’t I good?” girls who just wait for Darwin-answers. (In German, that’s Darwinantworten, just so you know.)
See also: “They knew the human appendix did a job sixty years ago, actually.” But pretending otherwise was a handy point to make in favour of Darwinism. Like, who in the audience would know, who dared speak up?
Hat tip: Jasmine Sheasha at a new ID Facebook page to check out.