What are the Key Histological Features Used in Evolutionary Studies?
Several histological features are critical in evolutionary studies:
Cellular Organization: Differences in the arrangement and types of cells can indicate evolutionary adaptations. Tissue Specialization: The development of specialized tissues, such as muscle or nervous tissue, reflects an organism's adaptation to its environment. Extracellular Matrix: Variations in the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix can provide insights into the evolutionary history of connective tissues. Developmental Patterns: Studying the histology of developing tissues can reveal how evolutionary changes in development lead to new forms and functions.