Comparative Anatomy

Front

What is the purpose of examining anatomical features in the study of evolution?

Back

To uncover relationships between ancient and current species

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Body parts with similar structure but different functions

Front

What do homologous structures indicate?

Back

A common evolutionary ancestry

Front

Analogous structures

Back

Body parts that serve similar functions but have different origins and structures

Front

What do analogous structures suggest?

Back

Organisms independently evolved similar solutions to adapt to environmental challenges

Front

Vestigial structures

Back

Remnants of organs or structures that were functional in ancestral species but are no longer useful

Front

What is an example of a homologous structure?

Back

The forelimbs of humans, bats, whales, and cats

Front

What is an example of an analogous structure?

Back

The wings of birds and insects

Front

What is an example of a vestigial structure?

Back

The human appendix

Front

Why do vestigial structures provide evidence of evolutionary history?

Back

They indicate organisms have evolved from ancestors with different needs and lifestyles