Vertebrate Skeletons Activity.pdf
Vertebrate Skeletons Activity.pdf Vertebrate Skeletons Activity.pdf
Name: _______________________________________ Date: __________________ Per: _______Paper Lab Activity: Observing and Comparing Vertebrate SkeletonsIntroduction:One characteristic common to all vertebrates is the presence of a skeleton. The endoskeleton provides support,protects the internal organs, and is a site for the attachment of muscles. In jawless fishes—lampreys andhagfishes—and in sharks and rays, the endoskeleton is made of cartilage. Other vertebrates have endoskeletonsof bone with small amounts of cartilage present. Similar skeletal features reveal important evolutionary linksamong vertebrates. Structures such as bones that have a common origin but different function are calledhomologous structures. In this investigation, you will compare the skeletons of several different vertebratesand look for evidence of homologous structures. You will also classify unknown bone specimens based on theirsimilarities to and differences from known vertebrates.Problem:What homologous (similar) structures can be identified in vertebrate skeletons?Pre-Lab Discussion:Read the entire investigation. Then, work with a partner to answer the following questions.1. What will you be comparing in this investigation?2. Which labels on the human skeleton show specific groups of bones?3. How will you label the bones in Figure 2, 3, 4, & 5?Procedure:1. Carefully examine the labeled human skeleton in Figure 1. The human skeleton contains more than 200bones. Become familiar with the names and structures of the bones in Figure 1.2. Look at the frog skeleton in Figure 2. As you examine the skeleton, compare it to the human skeleton inFigure 1. Label the bones of the frog skeleton using the names from Figure 1.3. Repeat step 2 with the skeletons of the crocodile, pigeon, and cat inAnalysis and Conclusions:1. Comparing and Contrasting - What are three characteristics that all of the skeletons share?2. Comparing and Contrasting - What are three differences that exist among the skeletons?3. Comparing and Contrasting - How are the vertebral columns of the skeletons similar? How are they different? Similar:Different:4. Comparing and Contrasting - How are the hindlimbs similar? How are they different? Similar:Different:
Name: _______________________________________ Date: __________________ Per: _______Paper Lab <strong>Activity</strong>: Observing and Comparing <strong>Vertebrate</strong> <strong>Skeletons</strong>Introduction:One characteristic common to all vertebrates is the presence of a skeleton. The endoskeleton provides support,protects the internal organs, and is a site for the attachment of muscles. In jawless fishes—lampreys andhagfishes—and in sharks and rays, the endoskeleton is made of cartilage. Other vertebrates have endoskeletonsof bone with small amounts of cartilage present. Similar skeletal features reveal important evolutionary linksamong vertebrates. Structures such as bones that have a common origin but different function are calledhomologous structures. In this investigation, you will compare the skeletons of several different vertebratesand look for evidence of homologous structures. You will also classify unknown bone specimens based on theirsimilarities to and differences from known vertebrates.Problem:What homologous (similar) structures can be identified in vertebrate skeletons?Pre-Lab Discussion:Read the entire investigation. Then, work with a partner to answer the following questions.1. What will you be comparing in this investigation?2. Which labels on the human skeleton show specific groups of bones?3. How will you label the bones in Figure 2, 3, 4, & 5?Procedure:1. Carefully examine the labeled human skeleton in Figure 1. The human skeleton contains more than 200bones. Become familiar with the names and structures of the bones in Figure 1.2. Look at the frog skeleton in Figure 2. As you examine the skeleton, compare it to the human skeleton inFigure 1. Label the bones of the frog skeleton using the names from Figure 1.3. Repeat step 2 with the skeletons of the crocodile, pigeon, and cat inAnalysis and Conclusions:1. Comparing and Contrasting - What are three characteristics that all of the skeletons share?2. Comparing and Contrasting - What are three differences that exist among the skeletons?3. Comparing and Contrasting - How are the vertebral columns of the skeletons similar? How are they different? Similar:Different:4. Comparing and Contrasting - How are the hindlimbs similar? How are they different? Similar:Different:
5. Inferring - How do the functions of the forelimbs differ among the five vertebrates you have examined?6. Analyzing Data - What type of evidence indicates that the human hand, pigeon wing, and cat paw arehomologous structures?7. Drawing Conclusions - Are bones that are similar in structure always similar in function? Give an example todefend your answer.8. Drawing Conclusions - Which of the skeletons is most closely related to humans? What evidence supportsyour answer?
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