2007-01-14 06:16:17 · 13 answers · asked by pammy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
Mainly that several bones, with flexible articulations between each allow for bending and turning of the back. If it was a single long bone it might be stronger for bearing large loads, but it would be completely stiff and your whole body would need to turn in order to change your view.
From an evolutionary basis, a hunter has the advantage in being able to see a wide field of view with only subtle motions of the head, not giving its location away.
A grazer would be able to eat vegetation off the ground, looking around for hunters without losing its place in the grass.
I'm sure if you think about it you can come up with other advantages.
2007-01-14 06:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Richard B 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For flexibility and sturdiness. A number of small bones will make the backbone versatile because it can be curved as desired. This is also advantageous when accidents happen. It is in huge possibility that only a couple of small bones will be injured and not the whole backbone.
2016-05-24 00:54:17 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
One long bone would not be flexible, so you would not be able to bend your back or even rotate your upper body. Also, longer things are easier to break...think of the difference between breaking a thick stick that is two feet long and breaking a stick of the same thickness that is only two inches long. In the first instance, you could apply more leverage to the huge surface area by using your knee or another object. In the second, you would need to find a way to apply the same force to a much smaller area.
2007-01-14 06:26:20 · answer #3 · answered by crabskulls 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So the spine can bend and twist. Life would be very stiff with just one long bone
2007-01-14 07:26:09 · answer #4 · answered by rosie recipe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots of smaller bones can allow the spine to bend, twist and turn. a single long bone would keep humans erect and very stiff and straight. we'd find it hard to bend over, twist only our upper body around etc.
2007-01-14 06:19:58 · answer #5 · answered by amandac 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Flexibilty. With one bone you would not be able to bend
2007-01-14 06:20:10 · answer #6 · answered by chips 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how would we move and bend and stuff if from our head to our bum was one bone. It would be just plain silly and very easy to snap
2007-01-14 20:18:38 · answer #7 · answered by Carrot 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
DOH! For flexibility
2007-01-14 06:20:28 · answer #8 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try bending your leg between your knee and your hip! Compris?
2007-01-14 21:22:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it makes it more flexible and can absorb mild shocks.
2007-01-14 06:25:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋