Chapter Seven: Adventures in Bodybuilding

This chapter grabbed my attention with the quote, "[...] our component parts work together to make a greater whole" (125). Each body parts have their own duties and work together to fulfill the body's assignment. Shubin relates his study of anatomy to evolution by explaining how single celled organisms with simpler structures eventually evolved into bigger animals by creating new organs that they need for survival. Skeletons allow creatures to move and chew in a distinct form, not a goo. The strength of bones are based on the materials held inside such as protein, calcium, and collagen. I was amazed at the complexities and the abilities of skeletal structures: the bones identify the outer and inner appearance of a creature. Creatures which do not have bones, such as sponges, contain the sponge matrix to hold the materials of the bones. The cells of a body are arranged according to their responsibilities of holding the body together. Although cells are microscopic, these parts are essential to every living creatures, containing one's identity. Chapter seven really helped me realize the importance of varieties of cells and the functions of each cells. As cells evolved, the creatures on land and in water improved themselves, developing new ways to survive.