Ever want to look at the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a giraffe? Now you can.
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PZ Myers is a biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
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More articles by PZ Myers can be found on Freethoughtblogs at the new Pharyngula!
Demonstrating an accident of evolution in a giraffe
Category: Evolution • Science
Posted on: October 5, 2011 8:04 AM, by PZ Myers
Find more posts in: 
Life Science
Life ScienceLeave a comment
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Comments
Posted by: bookworm14
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October 5, 2011 8:55 AM
Probably interesting, but the audio was too faint.
Posted by: jon.c.summers
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October 5, 2011 9:29 AM
You only got a giraffe? Think bigger, much BIGGER!
How about a Sauropod's recurrent pharyngeal nerve?
At twice the length of that long neck, it is way long.
If one has yet to discovered the pure awesome goodness of
"Sauropod Vertebra Picture of the Week", try this link...
svpow.wordpress.com
(Warning: may contain dissection images - best before meals)
Posted by: Juno Walker
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October 5, 2011 9:33 AM
Guys - there are no "accidents" in nature's design. The creationists tell us existence is flawed because Adam and Eve sinned. Duh.
;-)
Posted by: jon.c.summers
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October 5, 2011 9:34 AM
Hmmm maybe thats what you hit when you gey PZ mad at you?Posted by: https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawl1nQNVSS-InEY9s61MUgbgRdx3hX2T4sA
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October 5, 2011 10:11 AM
As an Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist), I can tell you that the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which exists in all mammals, follows its lengthy course because of embryological development that pertains to all animals. The recurrent laryngeal nerve serves a branchial arch that arises posterior to the one whose main arterial structure becomes the arch of the aorta on the left and the subclavian artery on the right. As a result, it must descend with the Vagus nerve, from which it branches off, into the chest before it can "recur" into the lower neck to reach the larynx. Since the basic body plan of the Giraffe is identical to all other mammals, save only that it has a very long neck, it should be no surprise that its recurrent laryngeal nerve follows the same course.
Posted by: Dr. I. Needtob Athe
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October 5, 2011 10:48 AM
For Pete's sake, watch it on YouTube instead and avoid that obnoxious ad! This was uploaded over a year ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO1a1Ek-HD0
Posted by: David Marjanović
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October 5, 2011 2:15 PM
All vertebrates, at least.
All chordates, at most.
It isn't – except for creationists (and hypothetical paleo-Lamarckists). Only common descent can explain it.
Posted by: Watchman
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October 5, 2011 3:27 PM
Common descent, or MD (Moronic Design).
Posted by: timpanogos
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October 8, 2011 5:28 AM
One of my favorite examples of the little proofs of evolution -- one that generally gets the creationists all huffy and apoplectic.
I hadn't seen this video -- thanks for posting it.
Ed Darrell
Dallas