Chapter 6: The Best-Laid (Body) Plans

Chapter 6 was definitely one of my favorite chapters. Shubin started the chapter off by informing the readers that all humans were made up of cells and that the bodies exist in three dimensions. As I read on, Shubin began to explain embryos and how humans can be comparable to primitive animals. It was interesting to learn that a human embryo went through the stages of fish, reptiles, and mammals. I find it fascinating that all vertebrate animals are alike as embryos. Shubin explains the importance of embryos and how they are "clues to some of the profound mysteries of life." I also found the "Hox genes" to be incredibly significant because they are the leading factors to explain the proportion of the human body and determine the basic structure of an organism. Overall, it was entertaining to read about the similarities humans have with animals.

-Stacey Kim