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The use and abuse of developmental data

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2004

R. Glenn Northcutt*
Affiliation:
Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093-0201

Abstract:

Structural similarity is helpful in recognizing homologous structures, but it does not define them. Such structures must also have phylogenetic continuity, a criterion that is ignored by Aboitiz et al. and by proponents of “field homology.” “Similar” structures, as well as “field homologues” from “the same” embryonic field, are not necessarily homologous, and an outgroup analysis of developmental stages should be performed to establish homologies.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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