Question

Dogs have a reduced nonfunctional digit on their paws known as a dewclaw. What is this an example of?

Answer 1

This is an example of vestigial structure.

Vestigial structures are structures (cells, tissues and organs) found in an organism that has lost most or all of its primitive function through evolution. The vestigial structure has performed vital functions in the organism in the past but as there are changes in species as a result of natural selection, the structure became less important until it no longer functions. A reduced nonfunctional digit on the paws of dogs known as a dewclaw is an example of vestigial structure.

Answer 2

The correct answer is Vestigial structure, and this is why:
a vestigial structure is a structure that has lost most of its ancestral function. So the reduced nonfunctional digit (dewclaw) would be considered a vestigial structure.