Chapter 21, Problem 16WIO

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The structural and functional similarity of the skeleton of a fish and a bird.

Concept introduction:

Fishes and birds are included under the same phylum chordate. The characteristics feature of this phylum is the presence of a notochord, a dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits and a post anal tail. Each group of chordates has some unique characteristic features. Fishes have two chambered heart whereas birds have four chambered heart. The skeleton present in birds and fishes are structurally and functionally same.