What happened to the digits as tetrapod legs evolved

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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What happened to the digits as tetrapod legs evolved?
The image displays illustrations of the limb structures of six different early tetrapods, showcasing variations in limb anatomy. These organisms include Acanthostega, Ichthyostega, Tulerpeton, Pederpes, Greererpeton, Proterogyrinus, and Silvanerpeton. Each drawing depicts the skeletal structure of a limb with varying numbers of digits and arrangements, highlighting evolutionary differences among these early amphibians.

- **Acanthostega**: Displays a multi-digit limb, with several small ossified segments.
- **Ichthyostega**: Shows a robust limb with broader segments.
- **Tulerpeton**: Features a slimmer configuration with elongated digit bones.
- **Pederpes**: Illustrates a limb with fewer digits, which are more elongated.
- **Greererpeton**: Appears with slender digits and segments.
- **Proterogyrinus**: Exhibits a series of elongated and thin digits.
- **Silvanerpeton**: Similar to Proterogyrinus, with streamlined digit arrangements.

These variations represent adaptations that may have been suited to different ecological niches or stages of terrestrial adaptation in the evolution of early tetrapods. The presence of scales on the image indicates scale bars for comparative measurements.
Transcribed Image Text:The image displays illustrations of the limb structures of six different early tetrapods, showcasing variations in limb anatomy. These organisms include Acanthostega, Ichthyostega, Tulerpeton, Pederpes, Greererpeton, Proterogyrinus, and Silvanerpeton. Each drawing depicts the skeletal structure of a limb with varying numbers of digits and arrangements, highlighting evolutionary differences among these early amphibians. - **Acanthostega**: Displays a multi-digit limb, with several small ossified segments. - **Ichthyostega**: Shows a robust limb with broader segments. - **Tulerpeton**: Features a slimmer configuration with elongated digit bones. - **Pederpes**: Illustrates a limb with fewer digits, which are more elongated. - **Greererpeton**: Appears with slender digits and segments. - **Proterogyrinus**: Exhibits a series of elongated and thin digits. - **Silvanerpeton**: Similar to Proterogyrinus, with streamlined digit arrangements. These variations represent adaptations that may have been suited to different ecological niches or stages of terrestrial adaptation in the evolution of early tetrapods. The presence of scales on the image indicates scale bars for comparative measurements.
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Introduction

Evolution is a continuously occurring process that involves a change in organisms due to the adaption of traits that are beneficial to them and the elimination of the ones that are nonbeneficial or harmful to them.

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