(Q002) Review the vertebral column and individual vertebrae from Exercise 3 (p. 166 of your lab manual). What similarities and differences do you notice between the three major types of vertebrae? Why might these similarities exist? Why might these differences exist? Humans do not have tails, so we do not have caudal vertebrae (the vertebrae that make up the tail). However, many other primates do have these vertebrae. Based on what you know about the other kinds of vertebrae, what would you expect caudal vertebrae to look like? Compare your estimation to images of caudal vertebrae in your classroom, online, or in books. How accurate was your estimation?

1. The biggest similarity between the main types of vertebrae is the location where they are found since they are all established on the body's back, precisely on the midline of the back. The main differences, on the other hand, are related to the size and weight of each of them.

2. The similarities exist because all the vertebrae have to promote the support of the body, the back being the most appropriate place for them to establish themselves.

3. The differences are related to the function and type of support that each vertebrae promotes, the higher the level of systemization, the larger and thicker the vertebrae must be.

4. The caudal vertebrae should be similar to the vertebrae of the coccix, since a tail would be a representation of elongation of the coccix. We can reach this conclusion through the analysis of images that promote the visualization of this area of the body.