What is the supportive evidences for evolution from comparative anatomy

Options

A. All antelopes have four legs
B. Most vertebrates have a head
C. Similar gene sequences code for similar proteins
D. Diverse species have homologous structures

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Understanding Comparative Anatomy**: Comparative anatomy is the branch of biology that studies the similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species. It helps in understanding how various organisms are related to one another through evolution.

2. **Identifying Anatomical Similarities**: In comparative anatomy, we look for homologous structures, which are anatomical features that are similar in different species due to shared ancestry. For example, the forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats have similar bone structures (humerus, radius, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges) despite their different functions.

3. **Examples of Homologous Structures**: The presence of similar bone structures in the forelimbs of various animals is a clear example of homologous structures. This indicates that these species share a common ancestor, supporting the theory of evolution.

4. **Analyzing Options for Evidence of Evolution**: When presented with options regarding supportive evidence for evolution from comparative anatomy, we evaluate them:
- **Option 1**: "All antelopes have four legs" - This does not provide evidence for evolution; it describes a characteristic of a specific group.
- **Option 2**: "Most vertebrates have a head" - This is a general statement and does not specifically relate to evolutionary evidence.
- **Option 3**: "Similar gene sequences code for similar proteins" - This relates more to genetics than to comparative anatomy.
- **Option 4**: "Diverse species have homologous structures" - This is the correct answer as it directly relates to comparative anatomy and provides evidence for evolution.

5. **Conclusion**: The supportive evidence for evolution from comparative anatomy is primarily found in the presence of homologous structures across diverse species, indicating a common ancestry.

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