skeletal structure of front limb of crocodile, cat, bird, bat, bird and human.
Answer (1)
SummaryCrocodile: Short, sturdy, and adapted for swimming.Cat: Long and flexible for walking, running, and climbing.Bird: Modified for flight, with fused bones and wings.Bat: Similar to birds, but the wings are formed by elongated fingers and a membrane.Human: Specialized for fine motor control, with opposable thumbs for manipulation.The skeletal structure of the front limbs in different animals shows varying adaptations to their environments and ways of movement. CrocodileShape and Function. The front limb of a crocodile is relatively short and stocky, adapted for paddling in water and occasionally for land movement.Bones:Humerus. Large and robust for muscle attachment.Radius and Ulna. The radius is larger, helping in paddle-like movements.Carpals. A few, fused bones that provide strength.Metacarpals and Phalanges. Reduced, with a more limited number of digits (usually four).Special Features. Their limbs are positioned more outward, and they do not have a highly flexible or dexterous hand like humans or cats.CatShape and Function. The cat's front limb is specialized for walking, running, and climbing, with a flexible range of motion.Bones:Humerus. Long, aiding in flexibility and range of motion.Radius and Ulna. The radius allows for some rotation of the forelimb.Carpals. Several carpal bones that allow flexibility and grip.Metacarpals. Five metacarpal bones, each leading to digits that have claws.Phalanges. Five digits (with claws) that are adapted for grasping and climbing.Special Features. Cats have retractable claws, which help them grip and climb.BirdShape and Function. In birds, the forelimb is modified into a wing for flight.Bones:Humerus: Shorter and robust, acting as a support for the wing muscles.Radius and Ulna: The ulna is larger, providing strength for the flight feathers.Carpals: The carpals are fused into a single structure to reduce weight and support the wing.Metacarpals: Fused together to form the basis of the wing structure.Phalanges: Three phalanges in total, with one or two supporting the wing feathers.Special Features. Many bones are lightweight and fused to support flight.BatShape and Function. Bat wings are also modified from the forelimb and are specialized for flight, with a different structure compared to birds.Bones:Humerus: Similar to the bird, adapted for muscle attachment.Radius and Ulna: Long and thin, providing support for the wing membrane.Carpals: The carpals are elongated and flexible.Metacarpals: Much longer than those in a human, forming the framework for the wing.Phalanges: Long, supporting the wing membrane (the wing membrane stretches between the elongated fingers).Special Features. Bat wings are formed from a thin membrane that stretches between the fingers, unlike birds, which have feathers.HumanShape and Function. The human forelimb is adapted for manipulation and fine motor tasks, such as grasping and precise movements.Bones:Humerus: Long and cylindrical for a wide range of motion at the shoulder.Radius and Ulna: Both bones are separate, allowing rotation at the forearm.Carpals: Eight small bones that allow wrist movement.Metacarpals: Five bones forming the palm of the hand.Phalanges: Five digits with three phalanges in each (except for the thumb, which has two).Special Features. Humans have opposable thumbs, which provide fine motor control and are essential for tool use and manipulation.
