1.1.d. What features of structure and function are common to all humans?

Bipedal

Two legs

Opposable thumbs

Used for grasping

Highly evolved cerebral cortex

Allows for high intelligence

4 tissue types

Connective, epithelial, muscle & nervous

What features of structure and function are common to all humans?

Humans can be told apart by the <0.1% that is different about us. That's what gives us each our unique identity. However, we share most of our features in common. Here are examples.

206 bones at maturity

Roughly -- bone number decreases with age (as they fuse)

DNA as identity molecule

Some organisms use RNA, but all humans have DNA

Lungs dependent on outside pressure

To breath, humans must be at a certain range of pressures

23 pairs of chromosomes

46 total, 23 from each parent

24 ribs, 12 pairs

About 1/20 people have 13 pairs, but 12 is most common

Little body hair

Compared to other primates, humans have very little body hair

4 chambered heart

Some organisms have 2, 3, or 5 chambers