Ch+12+L+2+Comparative+Anatomy

Biogeography

The study of the distribution of plants and animals around the world, providing evidence of common ancestry.

Anatomical Characters

Inherited features that vary among species and are used to find and compare organisms.

Homologous Structures

Anatomical structures inherited from a common ancestor, such as the forelimbs of different animals.

Vestigial Structures

Structures that have reduced or no function at all, like human wisdom teeth and tailbones.

Analogous Structures

Structures that have the same function and may appear similar, but are not inherited from a common ancestor.

Developmental Characters

Features of an organism that can be seen in embryonic development, like pharyngeal pouches in vertebrates.

Molecular Characters

Comparisons of DNA, proteins, and molecular clocks that provide quantifiable evidence of evolution.

Molecular Clocks

A model used to compare DNA sequences to estimate the time since two species diverged from a common ancestor.