Is It True ?

[Chipchopper]

I'm sure, I read somewhere that a giraffe has the same number of vertebrae as a pygmy shrew.
Seems unbelievable to me

[New Judge]

Correct. Seven (IIRC) - the same number as humans.

[davebro]

but longer!

[davebro]

you wouldn't want to be a giraffe with a stiff neck would you!

[New Judge]

Sorry, my answer related to vertebrae in the neck. But I believe almost all mammals have the same number overall.

[nailit]

This is the exact same question that I wake up at 4 in the morning for.
Thanks to know that Im not alone.
That and others of course. Like what do Pans People look like now or hope my ex has chladymia etc.

[RATTER15]

also the same amount of ears, eyes, limbs, testicles, and many other parts!
But does a penguin have knees?

[bookbinder]

https://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/giraffe-neck.htm

[bookbinder]

https://www.neaq.org/blog/do-penguins-have-knees/

[bhg481]

Yes, all vertebrates have the same bones; just in different proportions. Humans (and apes) have lost some at the bottom end of their spine (ie, no tail) but all the other bones are there.

[RATTER15]

Actually, I believe some vertebrates have a penis bone!!
I think I had one many years ago, I must have lost it somewhere :-(

[Mamyalynne]

Under the sideboard?

[RATTER15]

If it was under the sideboard, the hounds would have eaten it by now!

[JimF]

"Yes, all vertebrates have the same bones"

That's patently incorrect. Most mammals have the same types bones of bones in more or less the same place but, e.g. whereas humans have 12 pairs of bones, most dogs have 13 pairs etc.

Most birds and fish are vertebrates, but they have vastly different skeletons.