Based on similarities among forelimbs, what bones did the common ancestor of tetrapods probably possess? In your answer, refer to the bones and how they are connected to each other. Bulleted List (¹8) H▾ B I A ▾ X₂ X² Ω· = <> 66 X

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The image depicts the forelimb skeletal anatomy of six different tetrapods: bird, bat, whale, human, horse, and cat. Each forelimb is color-coded to represent different bone structures: humerus (purple), ulna (blue), radius (green), carpals (orange), metacarpals (yellow), and phalanges (pink).

### Descriptions:

1. **Bird:**
   - The wing structure shows an elongated radius and ulna, with the humerus providing the main support.
   - The carpals and metacarpals support the wing's shape.

2. **Bat:**
   - The wing features highly elongated phalanges, supporting a membrane for flying.
   - The humerus, radius, and ulna are proportionally smaller than the phalanges.

3. **Whale:**
   - The flipper is adapted for swimming, with a short humerus and elongated phalanges.
   - Bones are more compact compared to land mammals.

4. **Human:**
   - The human arm shows an elongated humerus, radius, and ulna for versatile movement.
   - The hand includes a distinct set of metacarpals and phalanges.

5. **Horse:**
   - The forelimb is adapted for running, with a long radius and metacarpals.
   - The humerus and ulna are sturdy, supporting strong tendons and muscles.

6. **Cat:**
   - The cat's forelimb is designed for agility, with a proportionate radius and ulna.
   - The carpals and phalanges are structured for retractable claws.

### Educational Note:
These diagrams illustrate how various mammals and birds have adapted their forelimbs for different functions—supporting the concepts of evolution and adaptation. The bone structures, while fundamentally similar, have evolved in shape and proportion to suit different environmental and functional needs.
Transcribed Image Text:The image depicts the forelimb skeletal anatomy of six different tetrapods: bird, bat, whale, human, horse, and cat. Each forelimb is color-coded to represent different bone structures: humerus (purple), ulna (blue), radius (green), carpals (orange), metacarpals (yellow), and phalanges (pink). ### Descriptions: 1. **Bird:** - The wing structure shows an elongated radius and ulna, with the humerus providing the main support. - The carpals and metacarpals support the wing's shape. 2. **Bat:** - The wing features highly elongated phalanges, supporting a membrane for flying. - The humerus, radius, and ulna are proportionally smaller than the phalanges. 3. **Whale:** - The flipper is adapted for swimming, with a short humerus and elongated phalanges. - Bones are more compact compared to land mammals. 4. **Human:** - The human arm shows an elongated humerus, radius, and ulna for versatile movement. - The hand includes a distinct set of metacarpals and phalanges. 5. **Horse:** - The forelimb is adapted for running, with a long radius and metacarpals. - The humerus and ulna are sturdy, supporting strong tendons and muscles. 6. **Cat:** - The cat's forelimb is designed for agility, with a proportionate radius and ulna. - The carpals and phalanges are structured for retractable claws. ### Educational Note: These diagrams illustrate how various mammals and birds have adapted their forelimbs for different functions—supporting the concepts of evolution and adaptation. The bone structures, while fundamentally similar, have evolved in shape and proportion to suit different environmental and functional needs.
### Question

Based on similarities among forelimbs, what bones did the common ancestor of tetrapods probably possess? In your answer, refer to the bones and how they are connected to each other.

### Answer

When considering the similarities in the forelimbs of tetrapods, the common ancestor likely had a structure that consisted of several key bones that are characteristic of modern tetrapod limbs. These include:

- **Humerus**: The single long bone that connects from the shoulder to the elbow.
- **Radius and Ulna**: Two parallel bones found in the forearm region between the elbow and wrist.
- **Carpals**: A group of small bones that form the wrist.
- **Metacarpals**: These bones extend from the wrist to the base of the fingers.
- **Phalanges**: The series of small bones that make up the fingers or digits.

These bones articulate with each other in specific ways to allow for a wide range of motion and function. The humerus connects to the body via the shoulder joint, the radius and ulna articulate with the humerus at the elbow joint, the carpals form the joint of the wrist, and the metacarpals and phalanges extend outward to form digits, enabling complex movements and functions. This skeletal arrangement provided the ancestral tetrapods with the structural basis for locomotion and manipulation tasks both in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Transcribed Image Text:### Question Based on similarities among forelimbs, what bones did the common ancestor of tetrapods probably possess? In your answer, refer to the bones and how they are connected to each other. ### Answer When considering the similarities in the forelimbs of tetrapods, the common ancestor likely had a structure that consisted of several key bones that are characteristic of modern tetrapod limbs. These include: - **Humerus**: The single long bone that connects from the shoulder to the elbow. - **Radius and Ulna**: Two parallel bones found in the forearm region between the elbow and wrist. - **Carpals**: A group of small bones that form the wrist. - **Metacarpals**: These bones extend from the wrist to the base of the fingers. - **Phalanges**: The series of small bones that make up the fingers or digits. These bones articulate with each other in specific ways to allow for a wide range of motion and function. The humerus connects to the body via the shoulder joint, the radius and ulna articulate with the humerus at the elbow joint, the carpals form the joint of the wrist, and the metacarpals and phalanges extend outward to form digits, enabling complex movements and functions. This skeletal arrangement provided the ancestral tetrapods with the structural basis for locomotion and manipulation tasks both in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
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