Wisdom teeth are another example of vestigial organs. Why do humans have wisdom teeth? One theory suggests that they were originally intended to help support muscles and tissues in the human face. Another theory indicates that they were initially meant to aid our ancestors in chewing certain tough foods that grew in the wild. As our diets have softened with processed foods, these teeth may become less necessary.
Removing one’s wisdom teeth can feel like a rite of passage for many young adults. At some point in their late teens to early twenties, most people will have up to all four of the molars removed. It’s a simple operation, but the recovery can be painful and take at least a week or two. Despite the short-term inconvenience, orthodontists often deem it necessary to avoid potential risks.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars to emerge in the human jaw during development. Since they turn up last, they may not have enough space to erupt; instead, they can crowd out other teeth in the jaw. If a wisdom tooth fails to emerge properly, it can become impacted, a painful condition that may lead to infection.
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On the other hand, keeping wisdom teeth can be beneficial if they are healthy and properly positioned. Retaining them maintains the original tooth structure, which is advantageous for chewing and overall oral health. Proper dental alignment with wisdom teeth can also prevent other teeth from shifting and affecting one’s bite. Furthermore, avoiding surgical removal eliminates the risks and complications associated with the procedure. Thus, the concept of useless organs may need reconsideration in light of evolving scientific understanding.
智齒是另一個退化器官的例子。為什麼人類會長智齒呢？有一個理論認為，最初它們的目的是要幫助支撐人類面部的肌肉和組織。另一個理論指出，智齒最初是要幫助我們的祖先咀嚼生長在野外的某些堅硬食物。隨著我們的飲食因食物加工而軟化，這些牙齒可能變得不那麼必要了。
對許多年輕人來說，拔智齒可能感覺像是一種成年禮。在他們快二十歲到二十歲出頭的某個時候，大多數人最多會將四顆智齒全都拔除。這是一項簡單的手術，但康復過程可能很痛苦，且需要至少一兩個星期。儘管短期內會有不便，但齒科矯正醫生通常認為這是必要的，以避免潛在風險。
智齒是在人類發育時長在上下顎的第三大臼齒。由於它們是最後出現的，可能沒有足夠的空間露出；相反地，它們可能會擠壓上下顎中的其他牙齒。如果智齒不能好好地長出來，可能會變成阻生齒（編按：指被卡住而長不出來的牙齒，可能是長歪、生長位置被其他牙齒占據、或型態異常而無法萌發的牙齒），這是一種可能會導致感染的痛苦情況。
另一方面，如果智齒健康且長在適當的位置，保留它們可能是有益的。保留智齒保持了原始的牙齒結構，對咀嚼和整體口腔健康有好處。智齒的適當排列也可以防止其他牙齒移位以及影響咬合問題。此外，避免動手術拔除智齒能免去與手術相關的風險和併發症。因此，有鑑於不斷發展的科學理解，無用器官的概念可能需要重新審視。
What Did You Learn?
1. From (A) to (F), choose the statements that are true in the passages.（多選題）
(A) As species evolve over time, all vestiges disappear.
(B) Keeping wisdom teeth can be beneficial for one’s oral health.
(C) Charles Darwin was the first to invent the word “vestigial.”
(D) The removal of the appendix can significantly impact a person’s life.
(E) Scientists now have a full understanding of all parts of the human body.
(F) According to Robert Wiedersheim, there are 86 vestigial organs in the human body.
2. Which phrase in the Day 2 passage means “not allow a thing any space or opportunity to grow or develop”?（簡答）
3. Please fill in the blanks with the information contained in the passages.（填空）
Vestiges Original functions
appendix - To help _____1_____ foods.
- To support the _____2_____ and digestive health.
wisdom teeth - To help maintain _____3_____ and tissues of the human facial structure.
- To help humans _____4_____ tough foods.
參考答案
1. B / F
2. crowd out
3. 1 process / digest 2 immune system
3 muscles 4 chew
Word in Use
1. initially adv. 最初，起先
Einstein’s research was initially ignored by other scientists.
起初其他的科學家都不把愛因斯坦的研究當一回事。
2. chew vt. 咀嚼
The beef is so tough that my grandmother can hardly chew it.
這牛肉太硬，我祖母幾乎咬不動。
3. soften vi. 軟化
The bread softened when it was dipped in the soup.
麵包浸到湯裡就變軟了。
4. processed a.（食品）加工過的
The consumption of processed foods has increased dramatically among teenagers.
青少年攝取的加工食品已大幅增加。
5. recovery n. 恢復，復原
After months of physical therapy, Andy’s recovery was finally complete.
經過數月的物理治療，安迪終於完全康復了。
Practical Phrases
1. be intended to V
（本來）是要（做）……，目的是要……
= be meant to V
This medicine is intended to make me sleepy, but I’m still wide awake.
這藥本來是要幫我入睡的，可我卻非常清醒。
2. crowd out... / crowd... out 把……擠出
The rapid growth of the tech industry has started to crowd out traditional manufacturing sectors in many economies.
科技行業的快速增長開始在許多經濟體中擠出傳統製造業。
3. in light of... 有鑑於∕考慮到……
The judge is going to dismiss the case in light of the new evidence.
由於這項新證據，法官將會駁回此案。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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