The term for the study that compares body structures across different organisms is

The term for the study that compares body structures across different organisms is

• A. Adaptation
• B. Fossil
• C. Comparative anatomy
• D. Evolution

Answer: (C)

Comparative anatomy is the study that compares body structures across different organisms to understand how they’re related and how their bodies have evolved. By examining bones, organs, and developmental patterns, scientists identify homologous features—similar structures from a common ancestor—that may look different in function but share a common plan. A classic example is the forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats; despite serving different purposes, they have a similar bone arrangement, signaling a shared ancestry. This approach helps explain both similarities and differences among species and traces evolutionary history. It’s distinct from adaptation (the process of becoming better suited to a environment), fossils (ancient preserved remains), and evolution (the broad change over time).

Comparative anatomy is the study that compares body structures across different organisms to understand how they’re related and how their bodies have evolved. By examining bones, organs, and developmental patterns, scientists identify homologous features—similar structures from a common ancestor—that may look different in function but share a common plan. A classic example is the forelimbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats; despite serving different purposes, they have a similar bone arrangement, signaling a shared ancestry. This approach helps explain both similarities and differences among species and traces evolutionary history. It’s distinct from adaptation (the process of becoming better suited to a environment), fossils (ancient preserved remains), and evolution (the broad change over time).