Comparative Anatomy

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to study similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species?

• To understand evolutionary relationships

• To identify species for classification

• To discover new species

• To learn about animal behavior

Open Ended

Explain the difference between homologous and analogous structures using examples from the images.

Multiple Select

Which structures are considered vestigial in humans?

• Appendix

• Coccyx

• Wisdom teeth

• Auricular muscles

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a function of the human appendix as described in the image?

• Digesting tough plant fibers

• Providing support for pelvic muscles

• Having a minor role in immune function

• Being absent or having no function

Multiple Choice

The structures shown are_________

• homologous
• heterologous
• analogous
• vestigial

Multiple Choice

The similarities of the bones in the diagram provide evidence that---

• The organisms shown lived in the same natural envionrment
• The organisms shown may have developed from a common ancestor
• The organisms shown have the same genetic diseases
• All vertebrate species have identical forelimbs

Open Ended

What questions do you still have about comparative anatomy or would you like to learn more about any specific structures?