Anatomy and Morphology

Anatomy and Morphology, as a subcategory of Evolution and Science, is the branch of biology that studies structure and parts. Interestingly, the theory of evolution primarily emerged by comparing the anatomy and morphology of organisms. Comparative anatomy and morphology are crucial tests for understanding evolution scientifically.

Origins of Anatomy

Anatomy, derived from the Greek term ἀνατομή anatomē meaning “dissection,” is the scientific study of the structure of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues.

Greek philosopher Aristotle introduced the systematic study of anatomy. Eventually, his views of nature profoundly shaped the emerging academics of Western civilization, even Charles Darwin.

While Aristotle’s geocentric views of our Solar System were proved wrong by Nicholas Copernicus, his observations continued to influence biology. From Darwin’s inner circle, speaking of Aristotle, anatomist Richard Owen declared –

“Zoological Science sprang from his [Aristotle’s] labours, we may almost say, like Minerva from the Head of Jove, in a state of noble and splendid maturity.”

Origins of Morphology

While anatomy is considered a subdivision of morphology, morphology focuses on broader visual aspects. Interestingly, while morphology appears eleven times in the Origin of Species, anatomy never appears. For Darwin, morphology is –

“The law of form or structure independent of function.”

German scientist Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) developed the field of morphology, followed by German scientist Karl Friedrich Burdach (1776-1847) – the first to use the term “biology.”

Comparative Anatomy and Morphology

The study of similarities and differences between different species is known as homology. These observed similarities are thought to be evidence of common descent – biological evolution. As Darwin explains in the Origin of Species –

“On this same view of descent with modification, most of the great facts in Morphology become intelligible—whether we look to the same pattern displayed by the different species of the same class in their homologous organs, to whatever purpose applied; or to the serial and lateral homologies in each animal and plant.”

However, evidence from the fields of anatomy and morphology to validate the theory of evolution scientifically remains a speculative field of study.

Anatomy and morphology is a subcategory of Evolution and Science.

Testing Anatomy and Morphology

To understand how evidence from anatomy and morphology challenges the theory of evolution, click to read the following posted articles –

Each article describes what evidence was found and why it scientifically draws into question the validity of the theory of evolution, using the reporters own words.

Darwin Then and Now is an educational resource on the intersection of evolution and science and the challenges facing the theory of evolution.

Anatomy and Morphology