The appendix evolved at least 32 times across 361 species, so it's 'unlikely to be a useless evolutionary accident,' research finds

livescience - Two researchers explore the evolutionary history of the appendix and its role in human health.

AI Summary: Researchers traced the appendix’s evolutionary history across hundreds of species and found it appeared independently at least 32 times, arguing the organ is unlikely to be a useless leftover. The findings suggest conserved functional roles—likely linked to immune and microbial functions—forcing a rethink of medical attitudes toward a body part too often dismissed and casually removed.