Question

What is an example of comparative anatomy?

Answer 1

Comparative anatomy:

1. It can be defined as the comparative study of body structures of different animal species for understanding the adaptive changes which they have undergone during evolution.
2. It can be studied via homologous and analogous structures.

Homologous structures:

1. The structures of organisms with similar anatomical structures, perform different functions.
2. These structures indicate a common ancestry between two or more species (divergent evolution).

Example of homologous structures:

1. The pattern of bones of forelimbs in bats, and humans are similar, though these forelimbs perform different functions in these organisms.
2. Humans use their forelimbs for performing many activities, whereas bats use their forelimbs to fly.

Analogous structures:

1. The structures of organisms with different anatomical structures, perform a common function (Convergent evolution).
2. These structures do not indicate any common ancestry.

Example of analogous structures:

1. The wings of birds have different anatomical structures but the wings of butterflies and birds perform similar functions.
2. The birds and butterflies both use wings to fly.