How Have Liver and Kidney Sizes Evolved Across Different Vertebrates?

[IheartTiktaal]

Liver and Kidney Evolution! Please Help!

I'm writing several papers for a comparative vertebrate anatomy course, in which, among other things, I will discuss the reasons for anatomical differences in the liver and kidney of various organisms.

I have the class data set for the weights of the liver and kidney of a dogfish shark, mudpuppy (necturus) and cat. (As well as their body weight to do an organ weight vs. body weight analysis)

A shark's liver aids in buoyancy by storing oil, this much is apparent to me. So that guy has a big liver... as for the others.. and kidneys... I am at a loss as to what to say about comparative organ sizes. The only data we have is weight. I'm not sure how this can speak to nephron anatomy if it does at all (for osmoregulation and the like).

Any help is greatly appreciated! Many thanks!

 

[WhoWee]

You might want to focus your attention on one paper (and one subject) at a time - it might be more productive.

 

[IheartTiktaal]

I would rather only write on one subject, indeed. However for the assignment there are 6 subjects and thus 6 papers due. Each paper is a separate entity. So in essence I am focusing on one paper, and one subject, at a time ... but still doing all of them at the same time ... stressful haha.

So, any thoughts on either livers or kidneys?

 

[Jack the Stri]

You could expect sharks to have comparatively smaller kidneys because they can exchange waste with the surrounding water through the skin (which is why they smell like pee).

 

[DeeNos]

I can provide some insights into the evolution of the liver and kidney in vertebrates. The liver and kidney are vital organs in the body, responsible for a variety of functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and waste filtration. The evolutionary history of these organs can be traced back to early vertebrates, where they served different purposes than they do now.

The liver is one of the oldest organs in vertebrate evolution, with evidence of its existence dating back to jawless fish. In these early vertebrates, the liver was primarily responsible for producing enzymes and proteins for digestion. As vertebrates evolved, the liver took on additional functions such as bile production, detoxification, and storage of energy reserves.

In contrast, the kidney evolved much later in vertebrate history. The earliest vertebrates did not have kidneys, but instead used their skin and gills for waste elimination. As vertebrates moved onto land, the need for a more efficient waste filtration system arose, leading to the development of the kidney. The first kidneys were simple structures, but over time, they evolved into the complex organs we see in modern vertebrates.

Now, looking at the comparative data set you have for the liver and kidney weights in different organisms, we can see how these organs have evolved to meet the specific needs of each species. For example, the shark's large liver is essential for its buoyancy in water, while the mudpuppy's smaller liver reflects its more terrestrial lifestyle. Similarly, the cat's larger kidney size may be related to its need for efficient water and waste management as a terrestrial mammal.

In terms of nephron anatomy, the data on organ weight can give us some insights into the relative size and complexity of the nephrons in each species. Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney responsible for filtration and reabsorption of waste and nutrients. Generally, larger kidneys with higher organ weight may indicate a higher number or larger size of nephrons, allowing for more efficient filtration and waste management.

In conclusion, the liver and kidney have evolved over millions of years to meet the specific needs of each species. The comparative data you have can provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history and functional adaptations of these vital organs. Keep in mind that this is just one aspect of organ evolution, and there are many other factors involved that can also be explored in your papers. Good luck with your research!