What is a pentadactyl appendage?

Answer 1

I will focus on the on the pentadactyl FORELIMB (arm). It is the limb that is common in vertebrates (e.g. humans, birds, dogs, whales, bats ALL HAVE ONE!). It supports the theory of evolution by strengthening the idea of divergent evolution and the idea of a common ancestor by showing that different environmental conditions and different selective pressures can result in vastly different characteristics being selected in common species. Each limb consists of: * humerus - upper arm * radius - forearm * ulna - forearm * carpals - wrist * metacarpals - palm * phalanges - fingers/digits Due to the fact that various organisms have a pentadactyl limb, it is difficult to give a definite answer to what it looks like because it varies from organism to organism. Think of as your own arm as an example of a pentadactyl limb to get a clearer image in your head: * from your shoulder to your elbow is the humerus * from the elbow to the wrist are the ulna and radius * your wrist is the carpal * your palm is the metacarpal * your fingers are the phalanges