My Inner Fish Reflection

Neil Shubin's revelation about human's direct connection with our ancestor's the fish changed the way I view the incredible features of man. He pinpointed the origin of our fingers and toes in prehistoric fish and found evidence that our skin, hair, and teeth are originated in early reptiles. Why were fish embryos that Dr. Shubin studied in the summer significant? Fish embryos and human embryos side-by-side are almost identical. This evidence proves the fact that fish and humans stem from the same common ancestor. I can relate this question to a vodcast i watched on evolution in which we learned about embryology, the study of similar stages of embryo development to suggest common ancestry.

<http://www.rationalconclusions.com/citations.embryologyvestigial.asp>

What is the "Sonic Hedgehog" gene responsible for? The Sonic Hedgehog tells cells what their function is, producing a signal for making the array of digits. These genes are positioned at the base of limbs to give direction for "smaller limbs" or fingers and toes to form. These genes reminded me of Hox genes that we learned about this year which control the body plans of embryos, directing parts such as legs, eyes, antennae, and organs. In relation to one another, Hox genes control the formation of the leg, and then Sonic Hedgehog genes manage the making of toes.