Experts say evolutionary changes linked to diet, technology, and environment could reshape human anatomy over thousands of years. Traits once vital for survival may now be redundant.
“Scientists warn that future humans may go hairless and even lose four other body parts due to the way we live today,” researchers told The Sun.
Body hair, once important for warmth and protection, is now largely cosmetic and gradually fading. A study in the UK found that over 90% of women remove armpit and leg hair, with many also removing pubic hair. Modern clothing and heating also make natural insulation unnecessary.
Wisdom teeth are also in decline. Softer diets and smaller jaws mean many people experience pain or overcrowding, with tens of thousands of extractions performed annually. About one in five people never develop all four wisdom teeth, suggesting they may disappear entirely.
The coccyx, or tailbone, a leftover from primate ancestors, has little function today. While it still supports some pelvic muscles, researchers suggest it may gradually shrink or vanish.
The appendix, once used to digest fibrous plants, is another vestigial organ. Although it may house helpful bacteria, appendicitis remains common. Scientists predict it could be phased out in the future.
Finally, ear muscles — once used to swivel ears toward sounds — have become largely inactive. Only 10–20% of people can still move them, a “quirky party trick” rather than a survival tool.
Researchers believe natural selection will eventually eliminate these features entirely.