* Body Shape: Dogs are quadrupedal (walk on four legs), while humans are bipedal (walk on two legs). This difference in posture affects the shape of their rib cages. Dogs need a more robust and flexible rib cage to support their weight and movement, while humans require a more narrow and upright rib cage for balanced bipedal locomotion.
* Breathing: Dogs have a more elongated rib cage compared to humans, which allows for more efficient expansion of the lungs during breathing. This is essential for dogs, who often need to take in large amounts of air during physical activity.
* Protection: The extra ribs in dogs provide additional protection for their vital organs, particularly their heart and lungs, which are located within the chest cavity.
Here's a breakdown of the difference in rib count:
* Humans: 12 pairs of ribs (24 ribs total)
* Dogs: 13 pairs of ribs (26 ribs total)
While the number of ribs differs, both humans and dogs have similar structures and functions for their respiratory system.