In all living chordates, the physical structure of skeletal and musculature anatomy is testament to the evolutionary rule that form follows function. In a match of predator and prey, the Red-tailed Hawk and Eastern Cottontail Rabbit demonstrate their highly specialized function-determined forms. The hawk has developed highly acute eyesight, specialized talons and beak, and specializations for dexterous flight such as hollow bones. The cottontail has developed highly specialized hind-limbs with long muscles and tendons for quick ballistic jumping and the evasion of predators. Adaptations such as these are not planned innovations, but responses to evolutionary pressures.
keywords: coevolution, predation, birds, mammals, hawks, rabbits
Original Caption: In all living organisms, the physical structure of skeletal and musculature anatomy is testament to the evolutionary rule that form follows function. In a match of predator and prey, the red tailed hawk and eastern cottontail rabbit demonstrate their highly specialized function-determined forms. The hawk has developed highly acute eyesight, specialized talons and beak, and specializations for dexterous flight such as hollow bones and wings. The cottontail has developed highly specialized hind-limbs with long muscles and tendons for quick ballistic jumping and the evasion of predators. Adaptations such as these are not planned innovations, but responses to evolutionary pressures. |
