Evolution of aortic arches in aves

Presented by: m.Jhansi lakshmi M.Sc zoology uom

Introduction
Phylogenetic modifications with in this basic pattern of arteries and veins are largely correlated with functional changes.

 In transition from water to land gills gave rise to lungs. In some fishes and certainly in tetrapods, cardinal veins become less involved in blood return. In various adult vertebrates the arterial system appears to be different from their embryonic aortic arches.

 Studies of development shows that they are built on the same fundamental plan. There is a progressive reduction in number of aortic arches in vertebrate series. Tetrapoda- reduction in number of aortic arches DONOT break up into afferent and efferent parts because true internal gills are ABSENT.

 In all tetrapoda the first and second arches disappear. The number of primitive aortic arches and branchial arches from which they run are still debated. The number of aortic arches varies in living forms.

 Nevertheless only upto six pairs customarily appear during embryonic development.