Structure Determines Function
The structure of an organism is what a particular part of an animal or plant looks like.
Scientifically put “the gross anatomy of an organism”. The function of a given structure
is what it does. So if you put these two ideas together, you find yourself facing one of the
most important biological principals known to mankind….What it looks like….
determines what it does. The structure of an organism determines its function.
Lets take a look at a simple example of this concept.
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (U ncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see t his picture.
Structure
Function
Long handle
to hold easier
Handle made of wood
to be strong
Blunt metal end
to hit nails
2 metal, curved, claws
for pulling out
nails
Take a look at this example for the natural world and see if you can fill in the missing
structures.
Structure
Function
For stabbing food
QuickTime™ and a
TIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
To reach deep into
the water
To be strong