| Comparative Anatomy |
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| CATEGORIES ABOUT COMPARATIVE ANATOMY | |
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Two major concepts of comparative anatomy are: # Homologous Structures - structures (body parts/anatomy) which are similar in different species because the species have Common Descent . They may or may not perform the same function. An example is the forelimb structure shared by Cat s and Whales . # Analogous Structures - structures which are similar in different organisms because they evolved in a ''similar environment'', rather than were inherited from a recent common ancestor. They usually serve the same or similar purposes. An example is the torpedo body shape of Porpoise s and Shark s. It evolved in a water environment, but the animals have different ancestors. The rules for development of ''special'' characteristics which differ significantly from general homology were listed by Karl Ernst Von Baer (the Baer laws). HISTORY Edward Tyson is regarded as the founder of comparative anatomy. He is credited with determining that marine mammals are, in fact, mammals. Also, he concluded that Chimpanzee s are more similar to humans than to Monkey s because of their arms. SEE ALSO |
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