Comparative anatomy

Comparative anatomy

Are we really THAT different?

In comparative anatomy we study the anatomy and physiology of the human body, and we often compare our anatomy of other living things…cats, sheep, pigs, etc.But how can such a comparison be made?

In your answer please consider:

(a) What critiera we use to classify organisms as belonging to one “species” compared to another.

(b) What characteristics do all “vertebrates” share?

preview of the answer…

Comparative anatomy refers to the research of resemblances and discrepancies in the anatomy of various species. The study helps scientists to classify organisms on the basis of analogous features of their functional structures. The similar bone construction in the fore appendages of human beings, whales, cats etc. is an illustration of comparative anatomy. The assumption made by most biologists is that the more physically similar organisms appear to be, the closer their biological connexion.

APA 324 words