How can you tell the dorsal side from the ventral side?

The dorsal side, often referred to as the back, typically features a flatter or more rigid structure, while the ventral side, or the front, is usually softer and more curved. In many animals, the dorsal side may have markings or features like fins or spines, whereas the ventral side is generally smoother and may contain openings such as mouths or gills. In humans and other vertebrates, the dorsal side corresponds to the back, and the ventral side corresponds to the front or belly. Observing these characteristics helps distinguish between the two sides.