Comparative

Anatomy
Sunday A. Musa, PhD
Department of Anatomy
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
 Comparative Anatomy

OIs the study of anatomical structures

and evolutionary relationships.
OIs used as evidence for evolution.
OIndicates that various organisms
share a common ancestor.
It includes the study of

OHomologous structures
OAnalogous structures
OVestigial structures
 Comparative Anatomy
O Organisms that are closely related to one
another share many anatomical similarities.
Sometimes the similarities are obvious, as
between crocodiles and alligators, but in other
cases considerable study is needed for a full
appreciation of relationships.
O Whales and hummingbirds have skeletons
inherited from a common ancestor. Their
bodies have been modified and parts have
been lost through natural selection, resulting
in adaptation to their respective lifestyles over
millions of years. On the surface, these
animals look very different, but the
relationship between them is easy to
demonstrate. Except for those bones that have
been lost over time, nearly every bone in each
corresponds to an equivalent bone in the other.
.
Vocabulary
Homologous Structures
O Structures with similar structure, but
different functions

Human Cat Whale Bat

Analogous structures
O Have different anatomies but similar function.
O These are seen on organisms that are not
necessarily closely related, but live in similar
environments and have similar adaptations.
Vestigial structures
O Anatomical remnants that were important in
the organism’s ancestors, but are not longer
used in the same way.
 Exit Slip
O In your own words, explain a
homologous structure and an
analogous structure and provide an
example of each.