Anatomy helps us understand how living things have changed over time. Here are a few important points:
Homologous structures: These are body parts found in different animals that come from a common ancestor. For example, the arms of humans, the flippers of whales, and the wings of bats all have similar bone structures. Even though they look and work differently, their similarities suggest they come from the same source.
Vestigial organs: Some body parts, like the human appendix or the leftover bones in whales, don't seem to have a clear use today. However, they hint that these traits were useful to their ancestors a long time ago.
Comparative anatomy: This is the study of how different animals' body parts are alike or different. Scientists look at these similarities and differences to figure out how species are related and how they have evolved over time.
All these anatomical features give us clues about the history of life on Earth!
Anatomy helps us understand how living things have changed over time. Here are a few important points:
Homologous structures: These are body parts found in different animals that come from a common ancestor. For example, the arms of humans, the flippers of whales, and the wings of bats all have similar bone structures. Even though they look and work differently, their similarities suggest they come from the same source.
Vestigial organs: Some body parts, like the human appendix or the leftover bones in whales, don't seem to have a clear use today. However, they hint that these traits were useful to their ancestors a long time ago.
Comparative anatomy: This is the study of how different animals' body parts are alike or different. Scientists look at these similarities and differences to figure out how species are related and how they have evolved over time.
All these anatomical features give us clues about the history of life on Earth!