Part 2: Evidence from Comparative Anatomy A second evidenc…
Part 2: Evidence from Comparative Anatomy A second evidence for evolution is the presence of similar structures in organisms, which also share a similar form and embryonic origin. These structures are said to be homologous. If organisms share parts that only have similar function, but not origin or structure, they are said to be analogous. The similarity of homologous structures results from their origin in the common ancestor. One of the most well studied examples is the pentadactyl limb, or forelimb, of vertebrates. In figure 2 you can see each vertebrate has all seven bones organized in the same layout, only slightly modified as evolution led to changes in shape or sizes of the bones in each organism. The similarity of homologous structures is explained by descent from a common ancestor. Screen Shot 2022-03-08 at 9.51.45 AM.pngFigure 3: Williams, Lana, “Homology Vertebrates” (2019). UCF Created OER Images. 82. https://stars.library.ucf.edu/oer-images/82 licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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