Who has bones? Fishes, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals do. As a group
they are called vertebrates because they all have an internal backbone consisting
of a series of individual vertebrae. Bones provide a framework of support and
protect internal organs. Bones, muscles, and nerves coordinate the movements
that allow vertebrates to swim, crawl, fly, walk, and slither. Bare skeletons
appear rocklike, but bone in a living animal is living tissue, just like muscles
or skin. In our Osteology Hall you can observe a variety of vertebrate skeletons
grouped by their evolutionary relationships. You can compare a human and gorilla,
bone for bone. Count the number of neck vertebrae in any mammal, including a
human and a giraffe. Observe skeletal features that are unique to reptiles or
to fish.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Human and Gorilla |
Giraffe | Russell's Viper |
Swordfish |
