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  • homologies of vertebrate forelimbs
  • skeletons of humans and gorillas compared
Related terms:
anatomy
cytology
embryology
histology
neuroanatomy
Occupation or Discipline
comparative anatomy Audio
[ kuh m-par-uh-tiv uh-nat-uh-mee ]
Subclass of:
Science of Anatomy
Definitions related to anatomy, comparative:
  • (comparative anatomy) The comparison of the structure (anatomy) of one animal or plant with the structure of a different animal or plant.
    NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (comparative anatomy) The study of similarities and differences in homologous and analagous structures between different organisms.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The comparative study of animal structure with regard to homologous organs or parts. (Stedman, 25th ed)
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Comparative anatomy, the comparative study of the body structures of different species of animals in order to understand the adaptive changes they have undergone in the course of evolution from common ancestors. Modern comparative anatomy dates from the work of French naturalist Pierre Belon, who...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
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