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Comparative anatomy

Comparative anatomy studies similarities and differences in organisms. The image shows homologous bones in the upper limb of various vertebrates.

Comparative anatomy is the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. It is closely related to evolutionary biology and phylogeny[1] (the evolution of species).

The science began in the classical era, continuing in the early modern period with work by Pierre Belon who noted the similarities of the skeletons of birds and humans.

Comparative anatomy has provided evidence of common descent, and has assisted in the classification of animals.[2]

  1. ^ Gaucher EA, Kratzer JT, Randall RN (January 2010). "Deep phylogeny--how a tree can help characterize early life on Earth". Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 2 (1): a002238. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a002238. PMC 2827910. PMID 20182607.
  2. ^ National Academy of Sciences (US) (22 April 1999). Science and Creationism. doi:10.17226/6024. ISBN 978-0-309-06406-4. PMID 25101403.

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