The developing mammalian fetus shares similar structures with the amniotic egg due to their common evolutionary ancestry and the need for a protective environment for embryonic development. Both systems utilize membranes—such as the amnion and chorion in mammals and the various membranes in an amniotic egg—to provide cushioning, moisture regulation, and waste management. These adaptations help ensure the survival and proper development of the embryo in terrestrial environments, reflecting evolutionary solutions to similar reproductive challenges.
Mammalian fetuses exhibit similarities to the amniotic egg structures due to their shared evolutionary heritage and the necessity for protection and nourishment during development. Both utilize membranes such as the amnion, chorion, and allantois to provide a controlled environment, facilitate gas exchange, and manage waste. These adaptations enhance survival rates by ensuring that developing embryos are safeguarded from external conditions, similar to the functions of the amniotic egg in reptiles and birds. Thus, these structures reflect convergent evolutionary solutions to reproductive challenges in terrestrial environments.
Chicken eggs do not contain amniotic fluid like mammalian eggs. Instead, the developing embryo is surrounded by a fluid-filled sac called the amnion, which provides a protective environment. This fluid serves a similar purpose to amniotic fluid in mammals, cushioning the embryo and allowing for movement during development. However, the overall structure and composition differ from that of mammalian amniotic fluid.
They do not have the mammalian neocortex, but they have homologous structures that function in a similar manner.
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Structures that are similar are called analogous structures. These structures may serve similar functions but have evolved independently in different species.
Similar structures that evolved independently are called analogous structures, or analogies.
homologous structures
homologous structures
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amniotic fluid, which is composed mostly of water, fetal skin cells, electrolytes, and chemicals produced by the lungs. this fluid is regulated by the baby's intake and output of the fluid, which is necessary for the baby's nourishment and development. also, before 36 weeks, the fluid is of similar composition to the baby's plasma, but after 36 weeks it is composed mostly of the baby's urine (the baby swallows or "inhales" the amniotic fluid, then excretes or "exhales" the fluid).
No. An amniotic egg will normally have multiple parts, like a chicken egg. An aminiotic egg also is surrounded by amniotic fluid. A fish egg is a small embryo surrounded by a protective gel like substance that is similar to a shell.
Similar structures that evolved independently are called convergent evolution. This occurs when different species adapt to similar environmental pressures and develop analogous traits, even though they do not share a common ancestor that had those traits.