Vestigial organs are evolutionary relics, once functional in ancestors but now redundant or minimally useful due to evolutionary adaptations. These organs are genetically inherited yet offer no substantial benefit to the organism.
Examples in Humans:
Appendix: Formerly aiding in digestion, this small appendage in the large intestine is now largely superfluous.
Wisdom Teeth: Once essential for grinding down tough vegetation, these teeth are now typically removed due to modern dietary changes and space constraints in the jaw.
Coccyx (Tailbone): A vestige of the tails found in mammalian ancestors, it no longer serves a critical function in humans.
Auricular Muscles: While some animals actively use these ear muscles for orientation, they remain dormant in humans.
Define the following terms:
(a) Gene Flow
(b) Chromosomal Aberrations
Derive an expression for energy stored in a charged capacitor. A spherical metal ball of radius 15 cm carries a charge of 2μC. Calculate the electric field at a distance of 20 cm from the center of the sphere.
Draw a neat labelled diagram of Ferry's perfectly black body. Compare the rms speed of hydrogen molecules at 227°C with rms speed of oxygen molecules at 127°C. Given that molecular masses of hydrogen and oxygen are 2 and 32, respectively.
Distinguish between an ammeter and a voltmeter. (Two points each).
The displacement of a particle performing simple harmonic motion is \( \frac{1}{3} \) of its amplitude. What fraction of total energy is its kinetic energy?
Using the geometry of the double slit experiment, derive the expression for the fringe width of interference bands.
An alternating voltage is given by \( e = 8 \sin(628.4 t) \).
Find:
(i) Peak value of e.m.f.
(ii) Frequency of e.m.f.
(iii) Instantaneous value of e.m.f. at time \( t = 10 \, {ms} \)