MCQ Detailed View

The development of calf muscles in women who regularly wear high-heeled sandals is a classic example of the use and disuse of an organ, a concept proposed in early evolutionary biology. This principle suggests that organs or body parts that are frequently used become stronger and more developed, while those that are rarely used may shrink or weaken over time.

When women wear high-heeled shoes, the muscles in the calves are repeatedly engaged in walking, standing, and balancing. The continuous contraction and effort required in this activity lead to the strengthening and enlargement of the calf muscles. This change is a direct result of habitual use, rather than a genetic alteration passed on to offspring.

This phenomenon is different from natural selection, which involves the differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to inherited traits. It is also distinct from artificial selection, where humans selectively breed organisms for desired traits, or inheritance of acquired characters, which incorrectly assumes that traits acquired during an individual’s lifetime are genetically passed to the next generation.

The concept of use and disuse highlights how environmental factors and repeated activity can influence the development and efficiency of body structures. While this principle is largely historical and later refined by modern evolutionary theory, it remains a simple and clear example of how functional demand affects anatomy.

In summary, the enlargement of calf muscles in women wearing high heels demonstrates the use and disuse of an organ, showing that frequent activity strengthens and develops specific muscles, providing a practical example of physiological adaptation in humans. This concept is important in the study of human physiology, evolution, and adaptive changes.