1

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 1

Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy

Objectives:

1. Compare and differentiate the characteristics of 5 classes of vertebrates.

2. Identify the adaptive structures of each Chordate group.

Materials:

preserved animals: Milk Fish or Bangus (Chanos chanos), House Lizard

Toad/Frog, Fowl

dissecting tools, trays or pans, pins, safety goggles, latex gloves,

laboratory coats, surgical mask

Procedure and Data:

1. Compare the external anatomy of the following animal samples by filling the table

below.

Table 1. Comparison of vertebrates.

Characteristics Milk Fish Frog/Toad House Lizard Fowla. Skin(Texture /accessory structures)

b. Segmentation(visibility of segments)

d. Regions(head/body/tail)

e. Neck

f. Post-anal tail

g. Nares

h. Cloaca

i. Eyelids

j. External ears

k. Appendages(limbs, wings or fins)

l. Digits in forelimbs

m. Digits on hindlimb

2

2. The milk fish, fowl and house lizard have nearly impenetrable covering. Why is this

an advantage in each animal?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________ 3. Describe the skin of the frogs/toads in structure and function.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

4. Compare the internal anatomy of the following animal samples. Fill the table below.

Table 2. Comparison of internal anatomy.

Characteristics Milk Fish Frog/Toad House Lizard FowlNo. of heart chambers

Respiratory Organs

Diaphragm

Digestive organs

Questions:1. What anatomical feature is present in the human and fowl but missing in the frog?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

2. Due to its difference frog breath by positive pressure while birds and mammals breath

by negative pressure. Explain.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

3

3. Which classes of vertebrates are fully adapted to life on land? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Reference:

Vertebrates.(no date). Laboratory Manual. Pp 117- 121

4

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 2

Gyotaku: Fish Printing Technique

Introduction :

Gyotaku (gee'-yo-tah'-koo) (gyo=fish; taku= impression) is an ancient Japanese

fish art printing. This method was used by fishermen to record their catches that later on

become an art form (Aquaculture Module; Fawcett, 2005).

Objectives:

1. Experiments with methods of fish prints.

2. Compare the external features and internal anatomy of common fish

species.

Materials:

newspapers Water-based inks (your choice of color)

fresh or thawed fish Rice paper or White construction paper

soapy water pencils

paper towels Large, medium and small paintbrushes

newsprint (sizes 4, 8, and 12 round)

cardboard or cork board pins

scotch tape (optional)

Procedure

1. Cover the workplace with newspaper to avoid staining the laboratory table.

2. Select the fish that you prefer to print. Make sure it is not too large, better start for small

fishes for a good start (preferred practice size will be half the letter size paper)

3. Wash the fish with soapy water and rinse it gently with running water. Then carefully

pat with paper towels to dry the fish. To keep the gill opening and anal opening dry, blot

it with paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

4. Place the fish (flat side down) on top of cardboard (or cork board) Arrange the fins

carefully. Spread the fins out and hold them in place by inserting a pin behind the largest

spine. Make sure the pin is not visible. An alternative method is to use a scotch tape or

clay.

5. Position the mouth. Insert a small piece of clay or paper towel to the mouth open the

5

way you want it to appear.

6. Apply a small amount of pain and brush gently from the tail to the head of the fish. Be

careful not to damage the scales. Brush a thin, even coat on the fish. You may dilute the

paint as desired.

7. Apply the rice paper or construction paper on the fish. But before that you have to

practice printing using inexpensive paper. Use the rough side of the paper because it will

absorb the paint easily.

8. Gently press the paper onto the painted fish. Use the paintbrush handle to reach out

some tiny details of the fish. The print output would depend on the amount of pressure

and the type of stroke you applied on the painted fish that would require practice to have

a better picture.

9. Remove the paper and allow to dry.

10. Produce at least two prints for each student. One print will be used for the next

activity and the other one which had a better print for framing.

Answer to Questions:

1. Describe your fish.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

2. Using the method of Gyotaku, does it help to record the fish's features? What are the

disadvantages in using this kind of method?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

6

References:

Comparing the Anatomy of Aquaculture Fish Species. Aquaculture Module. Module II-C H

II-C-4. P1. Accessed from http://www.aces.edu/search/ACESresults.php?q=fish %20morphology on May 22, 2013.

Fawcett, L. (2005). Gyotaku. Allen Memorial Art Museum. Accessed from

www.oberlin.edu/ amam/asia/gyotaku/documents/lessonplan-gyotaku.pdf

on May 23, 2013.

7

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 3Fish Morphometric and Meristic

Introduction:

To classify a certain group of animal it is important to know some important

characters to make them different from each other. The characters are divided into two

categories: qualitative and quantitative characters. Qualitative characters are not expressed

in numbers. These traits are usually body shape, fish color, caudal tail types, and mouth

positions are expressed using descriptive words. Some researchers used scale (1-5 or

more) like in colors to indicate the degree or intensity. For example, body background color

might be expressed on a scale from 1-5 with (1) designating light color and (5) dark color.

Meanwhile the quantitative characters refers to measurement or counting certain parts.

Quantitative characters are divided into two categories: morphometric and meristic.

Morphometric refers to measurable characters like in fish total body length, diameter,

standard length and body depth. While the meristic characters refers to any countable

structures like number of spines, gill rakers and barbel. These characters are useful in

classifying to certain families.

Objectives:1. To differentiate morphometric from meristic.

2. To use the tools of measurement and perform the measurements indicated

for morphometric.

3. Associate the characters of the fish to its natural habitat.

Materials:Any fish sample available in the market but make sure you have a different species

from the other group.

Surgical gloves Dissecting microscope

vernier caliper pins

paper towels laboratory gown

ruler surgical mask

digital camera pen

8

Procedure:A. External Anatomy

1. Label the dorsal, pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins on your sketch. Based on their

relative positions what can you say about the evolutionary history of the species

represented by the specimen?

2. Locate external structures not familiar to you on the specimen.

3. Spread the fins of the fish and compare based on its position.

4. Compare your fish with the other groups. Make sure the fish sample is different

from each other.

5. Examine the rays and spine using the dissecting microscope. Draw your

observations. (other option: paste your other copy of fish print from the previous

activity)

Diagram of the fish with label (Use the fish prints from the previous activity and label the

parts.

9

B. Fish Morphometrics and Meristics

1. Use the measuring tools (caliper, ruler and tape measure) to get the morphometric

characters of your fish sample. Refer to the figure below as guide.

10

c)

Fig.1. Fish measurement:(a) body measurements; (b) measurement for fins; (c) head

measurements; (d) ventral view, gape width and dorsal view, head width.

11

Data Sheet:

Name of Fish: (local name) ___________________ common name _________________

Scientific name ____________________

Place of collection : __________________________ Weight (gm): __________________

Table 1. Morphological Parameters: (unit of measurement: mm)

Parameters Measurements Parameters Measurements

Standard Length Body depthTotal length Length of longest dorsal spine

Head length Eye diameterSnout length Predorsal lengthLength of dorsal base Suborbital widthHeight of dorsal base Upper jaw lengthLength of pectoral fin Gape widthLength of pelvic fin Head widthLength of anal base Depth of caudal peduncleLength of caudal peduncle

2. Fin elements consist of spines and rays present in different fin types like dorsal fin,

pectoral fin, pectoral fin, anal fin and caudal tail. To determine the fish's fin elements

just count the spines and rays. When counting rays and spine, both must be

considered separately. Roman numerals are assigned to spines and Arabic

number to rays. The same will be done to anal fin. For example if fig . 2 below

(Ichthyoplanktons Information System, 2012) .

D (dorsal fin) XII (spines) 9 (rays) = D XII 9

Fig. 2. Counting and coding of rays and spines in dorsal fin and anal fin.

(Ichthyology Information System, 2012)

3. Pelvic fin element could be assessed if it is divided to the base, partially divided or

completely fused called frenum (Victor, 2013).

4. Scales are essential when it come to fish studies because scales can be used in

both qualitative and quantitative data. It is also used to determine its history, ageing,

growth patterns in relation to hormonal action. To observe the scales it needs a

magnifying lens or a dissecting microscope to see its arrangement and counting.

Counting scales will not cover the whole but only certain specific parts only. Like

12

scales from the dorsal fin to lateral line should start from first spine of the dorsal fin 1

to above the lateral line see fig 3 below.

Fig. 3. Counting the scales.(Ichthyology Information System, 2012)

Table 2. Meristic character of the fish.

Meristic Characters Counts

Dorsal fin elements (total number of spine and rays)

Anal fin elements(total number of spine and rays)

Pectoral fin elements(total number of spine and rays)

Scales along the lateral line

Scales below lateral line

Scales above the lateral line

Scales before the dorsal fin

Total gill rakers on each arch

Branchiostegal rays (gill rakers)

13

Table 3. Qualitative characters of the fish.

Qualitative Parameters Descriptions

Position of mouth:Inferior, terminal, superior

Snout Profile:Convex, concave, straight

Upper-jaw teeth shape:Simple pointed, simple blunt, multicuspid

Shade of body background color:Light, dark

Pattern of body color:Plain, complex

Caudal tail type:

Scale type:

Body form: (one type or combined form)

Pelvic fin elements(divided, completely fused or partially divided)

Answer the following:

1. What can you say about the evolutionary history of the species represented by the

specimen?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

14

_________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

2. Describe the placement of the pelvic fins on the specimen relative to: dorsal fin, pectoral

fins, and anal fin.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

3. Describe and compare the caudal fins of the specimens provided. Why do you think they

are different? Be specific.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

4. How do spines and rays differ from each other?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Drawing :

A. Spine B. Ray

15

References:

Dixie Divers.(2012) How to Measure Saltwater Fish. Accessed from www.dixiediver.com /how_to_measure_saltwater_fish.htm on 5/31/13

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2013) How to Measure Fish.

Accessed from myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/fishing-tips/measure on 5/31/13

Fisheries and Aquaculture Department.(1974)Manual of Fisheries Science Part2 –

Methods of Resource Investigation and Their Application. Accessed from

http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/003/F0752E/F0752E00.htm on 5/31/13.

ICHTHYOLOGY.(2010) Standard Measurement of Bony Fish. Florida Museum of

Natioal history. Accessed from www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Education/Diagrams/Fish Dimensions.html 5/31/13.

Icthyoplankton Information System.(2012). Using the Icthyoplankton Information System.

Accessed from access.afsc.gov/ichthyo/use.htm Meristic Online Guide. Accessed

from www.aqualex.org/elearning/meristics/english/index.html 5/13/13

Victor, B. (2013). A Photographic Guide to the Late-stage Larvae of Coral Reef Fishes.

Accessed from www.coralreeffish.com/larvae/gobiidaeintro.htm#pelvic on

6/2/13.

16

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 4Comparing Fish Morphologies

Objective:

1. To familiarize you with basic anatomical terms, to learn the basic external and

internal anatomy of fishes.

2. To gain some understanding of the relationships between form, function, and

diversity as they apply to fishes.

Materials: (other option you my use the existing data of your fish)

fish sample dissecting pan

laboratory gown latex gloves

scalpel with holder pins

fish guide goggles

paper towels dissecting microscope

calipers

Procedure:

1. To get the characters of your fish just follow the procedure from the previous activity

or just use the existing data acquired.

2. Make sure the fish sample data from the other groups is a different species in your

group.

3. Fill in the table below and compare the fishes that you described. If some

morphological parameters is not applicable to the other fishes just leave it blank or

write a (-) to indicate absent or none. Write the Scientific Name (SN) and Local

Name (LN) of the fishes.

17

Table 1. Comparison of fishes.

Parametric Characters

SN:LN:

SN:LN:

SN:LN:

SN:LN:

Body FormTail TypeMouth OrientationScale TypeUpper Jaw TeethDorsal SpinesDorsal RayAnal SpinesPectoral Fin ElementsScales Along Lateral LineTotal Gill RakersPelvic Fin Element

Answer to questions:

1. Which body design is ideal for modern fishes? Explain.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

2. Among the four fish sample which do you think is usually swim in open areas or

along the reefs? Explain.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

18

3. Of all caudal tail types, which fin tail is advantageous and why?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

References:

Degnin, M.(2013). Biology of Fishes. Accessed from courses. washington.edu.fish311/ lab.html on May 25, 2013.

Antoszek, A.,Antoszek J. and Wiecaszek B.(2009). Comparative study of biometric characters of the “Golden” cod and a sample of cod of typical pigmentation (Gadus morhua morhua L.) captured in Svalbard bank. EJAU 12(2), p 5. Accessed fromhttp://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume12/issue2/art-05.html on

19

Name _______________________ Score ______________

Activity no. 5Class Urodela: The Salamanders

Objectives:

1. Familiarize the basic features of salamander.

2. Describe the salamander based on morphological characteristics.

Materials:

Salamander Sample: Red bellied Salamander (acquired in the pet shop)

surgical gloves caliper camera pencil/pen

surgical mask references goggles distilled water

lab gown activity sheet

Procedure:

A. Preventive Measures

Wear the protective gears to prevent the transmission of disease and poisoning.

Each animal has its own defensive mechanism.

B. Handling

1. Wear the surgical gloves when handling a salamander. Then was your hands to

remove some residues on the gloves because salamanders absorb moisture

through their skin and can easily dry out or be affected by harmful chemicals.

2. Avoid holding the sample for extended periods of time. Always keep your

salamander moisten with distilled water while doing the procedure (ehow, 2013).

C. Morphometric and meristic

1. Get the measurements of your salamander. See figure 1

a. Head Length b. Tail Length c. Body Length

2. Record the colour, number of grooves of the body, skin texture, body patterns,

colour and presence of gills.

20

Data:

Type of Salamander: ________________

Measurements(mm):

Head Length ____________ Body Length __________ Tail Length ___________

Meristics:

Body grooves: ______________

Other descriptions:

Pattern and Color : _______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

Skin: ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Eyes: ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Question:

Compare the salamander with a common lizards. What are their similarities and

difference?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

21

Name _______________________ Score ______________

Activity no. 6Frog Morphometrics and Meristics

Objectives:

1. Familiar on the basic morphology of an anuran.

2. Compare the frog samples from different area.

Materials:live frog sample caliper or ruler activity sheet

camera pencil reference book/ internet

chloroform cotton latex gloves

dissecting pan

Procedure and Data:

A. Qualitative Description

1. Sedate the frog carefully for photo documentation. Make sure that the digital camera

is set for “Macro” setting with a flower symbol. Document the following features:

dorsal and ventral view of the whole body, dorsal of head, lateral of head, dorsal

portion of limbs and ventral portion of digits (forelimbs and hind limbs).

Whole body (Dorsal View) Whole body (Ventral View)

22

Head (Dorsal View) Head (Lateral View)

Forelimb (Dorsal) Hind limb (Dorsal)

Digits of Forelimb (Ventral) Digits of Hind limb (Ventral)

23

2. To describe your sample, the qualitative traits are coded in a numerical sequence

especially when there are more than one states (Schmalz and Zug, 2002).

a. Dorsum (DorsC)

[0] unicolor; [1] spotted or blotched; [2] reticulate

b. Thigh (ThigC)

[0] reticulate; [1] vertical bars; [2] spotted or blotched; [3] horizontal stripes

c. Chin and Throat, midline (ChinMC)

longitudinal stripes = [0] absent; [1] present

d. Chin and Throat, lateral (ChinLC)

[0] immaculate; [1] lightly spotted; [2] moderately to strongly spotted or reticulate

e. Chest (ChestC)

[0] immaculate; [1] spotted or blotched; [2] reticulate

f. Belly (BelC)

[0] immaculate; [1] spotted or blotched; [2] reticulate

B. Quantitative Characteristics

1. In noting the mensural characters of the frog it is important to know the basic anatomy

of an Anuran see figure below.

Fig.1. An anuran external anatomy.

24

B. For Morphometric Characterization

1. It is important to familiar the basic anatomy of an Anuran.

2. Use the (mm) as the unit of measurement

3. Use the vernier caliper or ruler to measure the following parameters:

a. Snout-vent Length (SVL) = the distance from the tip of snout to the vent.

b. Head Length (HeadL) =Straight line, horizontal distance from tip of snout to

the posterior corner of the jaws.

c. Head width mid (HeadWm) = straight line, traverse distance from the left to right

edges of the lips at the posterior edge of the eyes.

d. Head width posterior (HeadWp) = Straight-line, transverse distance from the left

to right edges of the corner of the jaws.

e. Internarial distance (Intnar) = Distance between the left and right nares.

f. Naris-eye distance (NarEye) = Distance between the posterior corner of the orbit

and the anterior internal border of tympanic annulus.

g. Tympanic diameter (Tymp) = Horizontal diameter of the tympanum from the

outer edge of annulus.

h. Trunk length (TrnkL) = Straight-line horizontal distance from axilla to inguen.

i. Trunk width (TrnkW) =Transverse distance from outer edges of left and right

sacral diapophyses.

j. Forelimb length (ForlL) = Straingth-line distance from elbow to wrist.

k. Thigh length (ThghL) = Straight-line distance from vent to knee.

l. Crus length (CrusL) = Straight-line distance from knee to ankle.

m. Tarsus length (TarsL) = Straight-line distance from ankle joint to heel.

n. Hindfoot length (HndfL) = Straight-line distance from heel to tip of 4th toe.

4. For meristic, hind foot webbing is recorded only in halves and whole numbers. Toes

are identified by Roman numerals and inner (anterior) and outer (posterior) edges

by integers.

For example: the inside edge of third toes is III1 its outside edge is III2.

5. Anterior body folds (Antfolds) number of folds across dorsum at level of forelimb

insertions. Posterior body folds (PstFold) number of folds across dorsum at level of

sacral diapophysis.

25

Fig.2 Feet of Toads and frog

Data :

Frog name: SN __________________________ CN ___________________________

LN __________________________

A. Qualitative characters:

DorsC _________ ThigC _________ ChinMC _________

ChinLC _________ ChestC _________ BelC _________

B. Quantitative characters

SVL _________ HeadL _________ HeadWm _________

HeadWp _________ Intnar _________ NarEye _________

Tymp _________ TrnkL _________ Trnkw _________

ForlL _________ ThghL _________ CrusL _________

TarsL _________ HndfL _________

Digits ________________________________

Notes:

other descriptions:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

26

References:

Gururaja,K, Aravind, N.A. Ali, S., Ramachandra, T., Velavan, T.P., Krishnakumar, V.,

Aggrawal, R.K. (2007) A New Frog Species from the Central Western Ghats of

India and its Phylogenetic Position. Zoological Science 24:525-534. Accessed from

www.ccmb.res.in/staff/rameshkg/pap_32.pdf on 6/3/13.

Engbrecht, N. Lannoo, S. Whitaker, J. and Lannoo, M. (2011). Comparative Morphometrics

in Ranid Frogs (Subgenus Nenirana): Are Apomorphic Elongation and a Blunt Snout

Responses to Small-bore Burrow Dwelling in Crawfish Frogs (Lithobates

areolatus)?. Copea 2:285-295. Accessed from www.cnah.org/pdf_files/1803.pdfBrown, R.M. And S.J. Rischards. 2008. Two new frogs of genus Platymantis (Anura:

Ceratobatrachidae) from the Isabel Island, Solomon Island. Zootaxa 1808:47-68

Accessed from

www.nhm.ku.edu/rbrown/Rafes%20PDF%20publications/Brown.

Richards.2008.pdf on 6/4/13

Schmalz, T. and Zug, G. (2002). Observations on Geographic Variation in the Asian Frog,

Hoplobatrachus rugulosus (Anura: Ranidae). Hamadryad 27-1:90-98. Accessed

from si-pddr.si.edu/dspace/bitstream/10088/4752/1/VZ_2002/schmalzobservation.

pdf on 6/3/13.

27

Name _________________________________ Score ___________

Activity 7Toad Morphology

Objectives:

1. Determine the basic characteristics of toad.

2. Compare the species of toads.

Materials:

live toad gloves lab gown camera

vernier caliper

Procedure:

A. Qualitative Description

1. Sedate the frog carefully for photo documentation. Make sure that the digital camera

is set for “Macro” setting with a flower symbol. Document the following features:

dorsal and ventral view of the whole body, dorsal of head, lateral of head, dorsal

portion of limbs and ventral portion of digits (forelimbs and hind limbs).

Whole body (Dorsal View) Whole body (Ventral View)

28

Head (Dorsal View) Head (Lateral View)

Forelimb (Dorsal) Hind limb (Dorsal)

Digits of Forelimb (Ventral) Digits of Hind limb (Ventral)

29

Fig.1 External anatomy of toad with variety forms of cranial crest.

30

Fig 2. Feet of toads and frog

B. For Morphometric Characterization

4. It is important to familiar the basic anatomy of an Anuran.

5. Use the (mm) as the unit of measurement

6. Use the vernier caliper or ruler to measure the following parameters:

a. Snout-vent Length (SVL) = the distance from the tip of snout to the vent.

b. Head Length (HeadL) =Straight line, horizontal distance from tip of snout to

the posterior corner of the jaws.

c. Head width mid (HeadWm) = straight line, traverse distance from the left to right

edges of the lips at the posterior edge of the eyes.

d. Head width posterior (HeadWp) = Straight-line, transverse distance from the left

to right edges of the corner of the jaws.

e. Internarial distance (Intnar) = Distance between the left and right nares.

f. Naris-eye distance (NarEye) = Distance between the posterior corner of the orbit

and the anterior internal border of tympanic annulus.

g. Tympanic diameter (Tymp) = Horizontal diameter of the tympanum from the

outer edge of annulus.

h. Trunk length (TrnkL) = Straight-line horizontal distance from axilla to inguen.

i. Trunk width (TrnkW) =Transverse distance from outer edges of left and right

sacral diapophyses.

j. Forelimb length (ForlL) = Straingth-line distance from elbow to wrist.

k. Thigh length (ThghL) = Straight-line distance from vent to knee.

l. Crus length (CrusL) = Straight-line distance from knee to ankle.

m. Tarsus length (TarsL) = Straight-line distance from ankle joint to heel.

31

n. Hind foot length (HndfL) = Straight-line distance from heel to tip of 4th toe.

4. For meristic, hind foot webbing is recorded only in halves and whole numbers. Toes

are identified by Roman numerals and inner (anterior) and outer (posterior) edges

by integers.

For example: the inside edge of third toes is III1 its outside edge is III2.

5. Anterior body folds (Antfolds) number of folds across dorsum at level of forelimb

insertions. Posterior body folds (PstFold) number of folds across dorsum at level of

sacral diapophysis.

Data :

Toad name: SN __________________________ CN ___________________________

LN __________________________

A. Qualitative characters:

DorsC _________ ThigC _________ ChinMC _________

ChinLC _________ ChestC _________ BelC _________

Cranial crest: ___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Eye: Shape _________________________

Iris : Shape _________________________ Color: _____________________________

Tibial glands (absent or present) ______________________________

Warts (describe color and distribution) ________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________

B. Quantitative characters

SVL _________ HeadL _________ HeadWm _________

HeadWp _________ Intnar _________ NarEye _________

Tymp _________ TrnkL _________ Trnkw _________

ForlL _________ ThghL _________ CrusL _________

TarsL _________ HndfL _________

Reference:

Gururaja,K, Aravind, N.A. Ali, S., Ramachandra, T., Velavan, T.P., Krishnakumar, V.,

Aggrawal, R.K. (2007) A New Frog Species from the Central Western Ghats of

India and its Phylogenetic Position. Zoological Science 24:525-534. Accessed from

www.ccmb.res.in/staff/rameshkg/pap_32.pdf on 6/3/13.

32

Name _________________________________ Score ___________

Actvity 8Tadpole Morphology

Obejctive:

1. Determine the morphology of tadpoles.

Materials:

tadpole camera dissecting microscope

vernier caliper activity sheets fishnet

plastic container

Procedure:

A. Collection

1. Tadpoles are located in clear stagnant bodies of water like ponds, streams or some

in stagnant water.

2. Use a net to fish out the tadpole and to avoid injury of the juvenile amphibians.

3. Photo document the tadpole. Use the Macro setting of your camera.

Dorsal view

Ventral View

33

B. Morphology and Meristics

1. Use the dissecting microscope to view and describe the basic features of the toad.

Refer to the diagram on the next page.

a. narial aperture c. anus e. tail

b. spiracle d. oral disc

2. For meristics use the vernier caliper to measure the following. Please refer to the

diagram as your guide.

Fig.1. General Anatomy and Morphometrics of Tadpole. (a) lateral view and (b)

dorsal view. (BL) body length, (IND) inter narial distance, (IOD) inter orbital distance, (MTH)

maximum tail length, (TAL) tail length, (TL) total length, (TMH) tail muscle height and

(TMW) tail muscle width

34

35

36

37

C. Morphometrics of tadpole. (use the mm unit of measurement)

1. BL (body length) =__________

2. TAL (tail length) = __________

3. TMH (tail muscle height) = __________

4. MTH (maximum tail height) = __________

5. TL (total length ) = __________

6. TMW (tail muscle width) = __________

7. IOD (interorbital distance) = __________

8. IND (inter narial distance) = __________

B. Qualitative characters. Check or shade the characters that would fit to your sample.

A. Eye position

[ ] Dorsal [ ] Lateral [ ] Others ___________________

B. Spiracle position

[ ] Dual [ ] Medioventral [ ] Sinistral

C. Types of Lips

[ ] Long [ ] Medium [ ] Short

D. Vent position

[ ] Dextral [ ] Medial

E. Tadpole Jaw Sheets

[ ] Cuspate, rounded [ ] Serrate, saw-toothed

[ ] Cuspate, pointed [ ] Narrow

[ ] Medium [ ] Wide

F. Tail Musculature

[ ] Spotted [ ] Unicolored

[ ] Striped [ ] Bicolored

[ ] Reticulate [ ] Banded

[ ] Saddled [ ] Mottled

38

Notes:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Reference:

Altig R, McDiarmed R.W, Nichols K.A. and Ustach, P. (2012) Tadpoles of the United

States and Canada: A Tutorial Key. USGS. Access from http://www/pwrc.usgs.

gov/tadpole/tadtrow.htm on 6/513.

Gosner, K.L. 1960. A Simplified Table for Staging Anuran Embryos and Larvae with Notes

on Identification. Herpetologica 16:183-190.

39

Name _________________________________ Score ___________

Activity 9Reptiles: Order Squamata: Sauria

(Lizards)Objective:

1. Identify the diagnostic features of the Suarian representatives.

2. Compare the representatives based on its morphological features.

Materials:

Lives animals:

Gecko Skink Common house Lizard

Iguana dragon flying lizard

Equipments:

Thick gloves Lab gown Goggles soap

Vernier caliper Chloroform Cotton

Cages for live specimen pen camera

Procedure:

A. The Basics

Before handling you should know the do's and dont's in reptilian encounter

(Kaplan, 1997). Respect the reptiles' natural inclinations and fears:

1. Don't turn them upside down.

2. Don't dangle them in the air.

3. Don't hold them with two fingers.

4. Don't squeal, no matter how weird or creepy it feels.

5. Don't hold a prey animal in front of or in line of sight of a perceived predator.

6. Don't relinquish control when passing the reptile to someone until you are certain

they are holding it properly.

7. Don't smell like prey.

Now that the don'ts are out of the way, the do's are:

1. Do support their body weight and length.

2. Do let them get comfortable on you - which may not be the same thing as you being

comfortable with them.

3. Do move calmly and smoothly, avoiding abrupt hand movements or changes in

direction.

40

4. Do be aware of what is going on around you and what may be stressful or alarming

to the reptile, and either move away or make the situation go away.

5. Do wash your hands before and after handling, cleaning, or servicing reptile and

prey animal enclosures.

B. Handling.

Most lizards species are easily stressed if handled regularly. These lizards are

naturally both predators and prey in the wild, so to them, anything bigger is something

that might eat them. Do not approach the lizard from above, this is typically seen as

predator's attack. Instead, approach the animal from the side. Grasp the lizard with your

thumb on its chest, and your index finger (and middle finger if needed) wrapped around its

side and back. Hold firmly but not so hard that you restrict the lizard's breathing see fig 1

below .

Fig.1 Handling a small lizard.

Tips for HandlingSo how do you handle a lizard, if only to move it from its cage to another enclosure

while you clean its cage?

1. Scoop it up. If you're dealing with a small lizard that isn't a day gecko, you can scoop it

up in your hand and hold its head carefully between your thumb and forefinger. Or you can

scoop the lizard up, clasp it in your hand but grasp one of its front legs between your thumb

and forefinger. The lizard will struggle (so would you, under the circumstances) but it isn't

going anywhere without its front leg. If a small lizard bites you, it only amounts to a pinch.

2. Plastic cup. Alternatively, you can put a large plastic cup on its side in the cage, and

"shoo" the lizard into the cup. Cover the opening with your hand, turn the cup right side up,

and you've captured your lizard.

3. Use two hands. Larger lizards, like an 18-inch or larger iguana, may take two hands.

Iguanas rake with the claws on their hind feet, so one hand is used to pin the extended hind

legs back, along the tail. The other hand is used to hold the iguana under its front legs,

41

again pinning these back alongside the body. The iguana will wriggle, much like a fish, so

hang on and keep the "holding" part of your relationship with your iguana short.

4. Pillowcase method. If you only want to move your iguana from one cage to another, and

you've already established that it does not like to be touched for any reason, you can use a

pillowcase. You open the pillowcase and flop it over the iguana's head. The animal already

wants to get away from you, so it will usually move forward into the pillowcase. You

continue to pull the pillowcase over the iguana's body and it walks into the bag. Once the

lizard is "in the bag," you lift up the open end of the pillowcase. Gather the neck of the

pillowcase bag, and wrap some sturdy string tightly about it, and tie the string. Your iguana

is ready to move, with little trauma on anyone's part (Kaplan, 1997)

C. Morphology and meristics

1. Describe the following features (in describe could be colour, presence of patterns,

shapes, other added features. Make sure you have sedated your live sample in a cotton

ball with chloroform

a. Head (refer to fig 3)

b. Dorsal pattern

c. Ventral Pattern

d. Tail form

e. Toes/Digits (forelimbs and hindlimbs)

f. Type of scale

g. Mouth, eyes, auricles

2. For morphometric measure the following:

a. Tail length i. claw height

b. Head - body length j. claw curvature

c. total length k. length of the largest toe of forelimb

d. snout vent length l. length of the largest toe of hindlimb

e. claw length m. width of the largest toe of forelimb

f. forelimb length n. width of the largest toe of hindlimb

g. hindlimb length o. frontal width

h. claw width

See the figures below for your guide.

42

Fig. 1 Morphometric for lizards would be the same for the salamanders.

Measure the Total length, head-body length and tail length.

Fig. 2 Types of scales in lizard and snakes.

43

Fig.

Fig. 3. Dorsal pattern of head applicable for lizards and snakes.

Fig.4 Claw measurement.

44

Fig. 5. External morphology of lizard compared to salamander.

Fig.6 Disfference between the lizard and a snake head.

Data:

a. Head (Dorsal view) b. Head (Lateral View)

Local Name:_______________________ Common Name:____________________Scientific Name:____________________

Location : _______________________Weather: ________________________Time: ___________________________

45

c. Head (Ventral View) d. Dorsal and Ventral of forelimb

e. Dorsal and Ventral of hindlimb f. Ventral view of Tail

Morphometrics: (all measurement use the mm as the unit of measurement)

Head length (HL) ______ Tail length (TL) ________ Head-body length (HbL)________

Total length (TotL) _______ Frontal width (FW)______ Pre-orbital length (POL)________

Claw length (CL) ________ Forelimb (F)___________ Hindlimb (H) _____________

Claw height (CH)________ Claw width (CW) _______ Claw curvature (CC) ________

LLTF ______________ LLTH ______________

WLTF _____________ WLTH ______________

46

Meristics:Postrostral scales (PRS) _________ Supra orbital scales (SOS) _________

Supraocularis scales (outer row) (SSO) _______

Supraocularis scales (inner row) (SSI) _______

Temporal scales (TS) __________ Superciliaries scales (SS) ________

Infralabials (IL) ______________ Supra labials (SL) ______________

pre-orbital supralabial scales (PSS) _________

Tail Ventral Division (TVD):[ ] 2 division [ ] 3 divisions [ ] 4 divisions [ ] unidivided [ ] Others ______

Qualitative Characteristics: (Check or Shade the following traits)

Presence of limbs:[ ] with limbs [ ] without limbs

Body bottom color:[ ] Orange [ ] White

[ ] Pink [ ] Yellow

[ ] Red [ ] Others ___________________________

Body bottom pattern:

[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Body top pattern:

[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Tail pattern top pattern:[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Tail pattern bottom pattern:[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Scale types:[ ] Scales with apical piths [ ] Keeled mucronate

[ ] Cycloid [ ] Granular

47

Other distinguishing characteristics:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

References:

Kaplan, M. 1997. "Handling Reptiles." Anapsid.org. Accessed from

http://www.anapsid.org/handlingreptiles.html on 8/12/12.

R Conant and J.T. Collins (1998).A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians:

Eastern and Central North America (3rd Edition), Houghton Mifflin

Co., Boston.

S.C. Ribas, A.L. Velloso, P. Teixeira, O. Rocha-Barbosa, H. Evangelista and

E.A. Santos.2004. Structure Claws and Toes of Two Tropidurid Lizard

Species of Restinga from Southeastern Brazil: Adaptation to the Vertical

Use of the Habitat. Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 77:599-606.

Accessed from www.scielo.cl on 6/8/13.

Zani, PA. 2001. The Comparative Evolution of Lizard Claw and Toe Morphology and

Clinging Performance. Journal of Evolutionary Biology. 13:316-325. Accessed from

www.indiana.edu/~martins/pub/zani.pdf on 6/8/13.

Lizard Identification Guide. 2013. Virginia Herpetological Society. Accessed from

http://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/ on 6/8/13.

48

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 10Comparing Squamates: Order Sauria (Lizard Group)

Objectives:

1. To determine two subgroups of Order Squamata.

2. Differentiate the three subgroups based on their morphology.

3. Associate their characteristics to their respective environment.

Materials:Existing morphometrics and meristics characters from two other groups in Activity 8

pen; related literature

Procedure. 1. Collect the morphometrics and meristics data of live lizards from the other groups.

Make sure the other group have different species when compared to your lizard

sample. Just in case you have a similar sample, check if it was collected from

different location.

2. Fill in the table to compare their qualitative and quantitative characters that you

have collected.

3. Discuss what observation can you derived from the table and associate their

characters in their natural habitat. (Note: when you collect your sample you have

to take note the structure of the habitat of your sample).

Data:

A. Measurements

Group: _______ Lizard Sample: _________________

Group: _______ Lizard Sample: _________________

Group: _______ Lizard Sample: _________________

(all units should be in mm)

Group no.

HL TL HbL TotL FW POL CL F H CH CW CC LLTF LLTH WLTF WLTH

49

B. Meristics:

Group no. PRS SOS SSO SSI TS SS IL SL PSS TVD

C. Qualitative Characteristics

Lizard from other

groups

Qualitative Characters

Presence of limbs

Body BottomColor

Body BottomPattern

Body TopPattern

Scale Type

D. Discussion the morphologies of the 3 specimen.____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

50

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 11Reptiles: Order Squamata

Suborder Serpentes (Snakes)Objectives:

1. To identify the basic morphology of snakes.

2. To determine the variety of forms in each structure within the serpent group.

Materials:Preserved samples:

Three different preserved snake samples

Other equipment/tools:

3 dissecting pans forceps tongs

Measuring tape vernier caliper pen

Camera activity sheets lab gown

Gloves goggles

Procedures:1. Remove the preserved samples from the glass jar using a tong. Wash the

samples gently with running water and place. Always return reptile specimens to the jar that

you got them from and DO NOT leave them out to dry. DO NOT return a specimen to the wrong jar!

2. Describe the following snakes based on the given guide below.

a. head pattern dorsal

b. head pattern ventral

c. types of scales present

d. eye pattern

e. tail form

f. Scale patterns

g. sexual dimorphism and sex

3. For morphometric, measure the snakes based on the following:

a. head width

b. body length

c. head length

d. tail length.

51

52

53

Data:

a. Head (Dorsal view) b. Head (Lateral View)

c. Head (Ventral View) d. ventral anal plate and tail

Morphometric: (all measurement use the mm as the unit of measurement)

Head length (HL) ______ Tail length (TL) ________ Head-body length (HbL)________

Total length (TotL) ______ Frontal width (FW)______ Pre-orbital length (POL)________

Interocular width (IOW) _______ Snout vent length _________

Internasal width (INW) ________ Body Girth ___________

Local Name:_______________________ Common Name:____________________Scientific Name:____________________

Location : _______________________Weather: ________________________Time: ___________________________

54

Meristic:Postrostral scales (PRS) _________ Supraorbital scales (SOS) _________

Supraocularis scales (outer row) (SSO) _______

Supraocularis scales (inner row) (SSI) _______

Temporal scales (TS) __________ Superciliaries scales (SS) ________

Infralabials (IL) ______________ Supra labials (SL) ______________

pre-orbital supralabial scales (PSS) _________

Anal Plate Division (APD):[ ] unidivided [ ] divided

Dentition:[ ] saw like, no fangs [ ] with fangs, but no teeth along the mandible

Qualitative Characteristics: (Check or Shade the following traits)

Presence of neck[ ] with neck [ ] without neck

Body bottom color:[ ] Orange [ ] White

[ ] Pink [ ] Yellow

[ ] Red [ ] Others ___________________________

Body bottom pattern:

[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Body top pattern:

[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Tail pattern top pattern:[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Tail pattern bottom pattern:[ ] Bands [ ] Solid [ ] Spots [ ] Stripes [ ] Others ___________

Color: _________________________________Scale types:[ ] Scales with apical piths [ ] Keeled mucronate

[ ] Cycloid [ ] Granular

55

Eye pupil shape:

[ ] round [ ] elliptical

Body bottom plate:[ ] divided [ ] undivided

Length:[ ] short [ ] mid-size [ ] long

Other distinguishing characteristics:

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

________________________________

Question:

1. What is the difference between venomous and non-venomous?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

References:

Junghans, et al.(1996). Venomous and Piosonous Animals Biology & Clinical

Management. Retrieved from http://www.vapaguide.info/page/4 on August 9,2012.

http://www.wildsideholidays.com/natural/reptiles-and-amphibians/313-identifying- snakes.html

R.C. Stebbins (2003) A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians (3rd Edition),

Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston.

Glaudas, X and Pickering, J. (2013). Discover Life: Snakes. Accessed from

www.discoverlife.org/20/g?guide=Snakes on 5/26/13.

Bautwal, N.(2013). Snake Identification by Characteristics. Accessed from

www.buzzle.com/articles/snakes-identification-by-characteristics.html

56

Name _________________________________ Score ___________

Activity no. 12Reptiles: Order Testudines

Objectives:

1. To dertermine the basic morphological structures of the members of this group.

2. To describe and compare the representatives based on the variety of structures.

Materials:

Live turtles

Tools/ Equipment:

Dissecting miscroscope vernier caliper gloves

lenses lab gown camera

Procedure:

1. Wash the samples of Testudines. Use gloves while handling to prevent the

transmission of diseases from reptile to humans.

2. Photodocument the live sample based on the following:

a. dorsal whole d. head lateral

b. dorsal head e. ventral head

c. ventral whole f. limbs

3. For meristics and morphology. Describe the following Testudines based on the

diagnostic features ( please refer to the diagram below).

Pf- prefrontal; F- frontal; N- Nasal; M= Masseter and T- tympanum

(Basoglu & Baran, 1977).

57

Fig2. Carapase

58

Fig 3 Plastron

59

Fig.3. Turtle feet types.

60

Fig.4. Technical measurement of sea turtle and sexing.

61

Local Name (LN) ________________________ Location ________________________

Scientific Name (SN) _____________________ Sex ____________________________

A. Morphometrics (all measurements in mm)

Head width __________ Total length ___________ Head length ___________

Orbital length _________ Tail length ___________ CCW* _______________

CSW* _______________ CCL* _______________ CSL* ________________

forelimb length ________ hindlimb length ________

* CCW – carapace curve width *CCL- Carapace curve length* CSW – carapace straight width * CSL – carapace straight length

B. Meritics (count the number of scutes and scales)

marginal (one side only) ______ Axillary scutes ___________

costal (one side only) ________ inframarginal scutes ______

vertebral __________________ frontal scale ____________

prefrontal scale _____________ masseter ______________

Ocular scales ______________

C. Qualitative Characteristics

Eye shape and color: _________________________________________________

Carapace pattern, color and shape: ______________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Type of foot : ________________________________________________________

Tympanum (check) : [ ] scaly [ ] deep [ ] shallow

Skin texture: [ ] smooth [ ] rough [ ] keeled

Shape of frontal scale: _______________________

Nuchal : [ ] present [ ] absent

(if present) no of pairs ________________

62

Question:

1. Secure a picture of the tortoises found in Galapagos Island and compares the picture from the preserved specimen.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Discuss the adaptive structure of sea turtles and tortoises. How these structure made them successful in this period?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

3.In studying the turtle population why is it important to measure the

length and width of the carapace?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

63

References:

"Atatür, M. K and Göçmen, B. (2001). Amphibians and Reptiles of Northern Cyprus

(1st Edition), Ege Üniversitesi, Fen Fakültesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 170, Ege

Üniversitesi Basimevi, Bornova-Izmir, 63 pp. "Grossman A, Mendoca P, and M.R. da Costa. (2007). Morphometrics of the Green Turtle

at the Atol das Rocas marine Biological Reserved, Brazil. Marine Turtle Newsletter

118:12-13. Accessed from www.seaturtleorg/mtn/archives/mtn118/mtn118p12.shtml

on 6/18/13.

Heath, D.C. (2011). Turtle Resue on Das Island. Bulletin 39. Emirates Natural History

Group.

A.F. Carr (1952) Handbook of Turtles, Cornell University Press, Ithaca, NY.

64

Name _________________________ Date ________________

Activity no. 13Bird Morphology and Meristic

Objectives:1. Describe the bird samples externally by region.2. Compare the birds based on the morphological descriptions.3. Practice the skill on measuring the parts of birds and in photography.

Materials:Per group: Live adult bird glovescamera lab gowncaliper or tape measure surgical mask

Procedure:1. Describe the live birds sample according to specified regions (Head, body,

wing and foot).2. Take a picture of the bird in different regions. The pictures will be used for

reference in describing the bird.3. Compare your bird with the other avian group.

Fig.1. Topography of birds. Each part shows the certain boundaries illustrated by a thin line.

65

Fig.2. Avian body measurement.

Fig 3. Head external anatomy.

Tar – tarsusW – wingB1 – beak lengthB2 – Head lengthL – Total body length

66

67

Fig.4.1 Bird wing dorsal and ventral

Data:Bird sample:______________________ age group : _________ sex: ________

:A. Body Measurements: (use mm as the unit of measurement)

Foot length Beaklength

Head width

Headlength

Wing length

Total body length

Girth Wing span

68

B. Descriptions (indicate the shape and color)B.1 Head1. eye - ____________________________________________________________

2. Beak (shape and color)- _____________________________________________

3. Nostril - _________________________________________________________

4. Lore - ___________________________________________________________

5. Malar - __________________________________________________________

6. Auricularis - ______________________________________________________

7. Forehead and crown - ______________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Other structures found on head

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

B.2. Body (Indicate the color)

1.neck - ___________________________________________________________

2. breast - __________________________________________________________

3. nape - ___________________________________________________________

4. rump - __________________________________________________________

5. underparts - ______________________________________________________

6. Tail feather - _____________________________________________________

7. Tail feather form - _________________________________________________

B.3. Wing

1. Tertials __________________________________________________________

2. secondary feather - ________________________________________________

3. primary feathers - _________________________________________________

4. alula - __________________________________________________________

5. greater covert - ___________________________________________________

6. scapularis - ______________________________________________________

7. middle covert - ___________________________________________________

69

B.4 Foot

1. Type of toe arrangement - __________________________________________

2. Nail type - _______________________________________________________

3. Length - _________________________________________________________

4. Color - __________________________________________________________

Other descriptions

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Picture of the bird sample

a. Lateral body b. Lateral head

c. lateral wing underparts d. foot

70

Discussion:

Compare the your bird from the other group.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

71

Name __________________________ Score ______________

Activity no. 14Avian Flight Pattern and Its Silhouettes

Objectives:

1. Familiar the basic shapes and silhouettes of different birds.

2. Identify the flying styles of some common birds within the area.

Materials:

Field Guide to Birds Binoculars Pen Data Sheet

Procedure:

1. This activity requires 5 participants. Two observers (1 will observe the flight style

and the other will observe the shape and the frequency), two writers or recorders

(1 will record the data stated by the observer 1 and the other will record the data

from observer 2) and 1 participant will the references to confirm the bird identity.

2. Count the number of individuals of the same species and draw its flying styles.

Use the diagram below as your guide.

Data:

Name of observers: __________________________________ Date ______________

Time : _______________ Weather: _________________________________________

Location: ______________________________________________GPS: ___________

Habitat description: ______________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Name (CN) SilhouettesDistinctive character Frequency

1

2

3

72

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

B. Draw the flying styles of birds (in order)

Name (CN)Style

1

2

3

4

5

73

6

7

8

9

10

Reflection: What have you learn from this activity?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________

References:

Kennedy et al(2000). Birds of the Philippines.

74

Name _____________________________ Score________

Activity no. 15Bird Watching and Bird Identification

Introduction:

Bird watching is a hobby or could even a method to observe the birds in their

natural environment using a binoculars or some high specialized cameras. An activity

where it develops your appreciation to nature, learning its behavior and a test of patience.

The time to observe would depend on the group of birds based on your interest, because

birds have different time where they are mostly active. For example, resident birds like

some Nectariniidae (the group of Sunbirds and Spiderhunters) are highly active early

morning and late afternoon. If you are referring to a specific group it is best to know first

the natural niche, behavior and flight pattern of the bird. In practice, it is required for a

birder to know the basic anatomy of the bird because every species has different color

patterns on their parts and there are some parts that are specialize which could not be

found on other species for example the gular among Pelicans or some aquatic birds, is a

pouch like structure beneath the lower beak to drain water, to serve as a net to scope

out the prey which could not be found on other birds (Nature, 2013).

Objectives:

1. To know the basic rule in bird watching and its importance.

2. To identify birds on its natural environment.

3. To apply basic knowledge in morphology of birds.

Materials:

binoculars pen notebook

Field Guide: A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines by Robert Kennedy and et al. (2000)

A Photographic Guide to Birds of the Philippines by Tim Fisher and Nigel

Procedure:

Here are the following tips on Bird Watching (Grimshaw, nd):

1. Always bring a pair of binoculars. Don't use the binoculars in looking for the birds.

First locate the bird then use the binoculars and adjust focus knob to have a clear vision.

2. Wear comfortable clothes or loose fitting with big pockets. The color should be relatively

75

blends with the environment.

3. Speak softly and don't whisper. Human whisper could be alarming to some bird

species.

4. Wear non-noisy footwear and tread carefully with intervals. So that you could hear the

noise created by the understory birds.

5. Identifying bird call could be difficult because there are call that were mimic by other

birds or mixed with other bird calls. This would require recorders and practice.

6. If you can't memorize the name of the bird, remember and write the notable patterns on

their feathers and other forms. Also include to describe where it was located because you

can initially identify the bird by its environment like the kingfisher usually found near by

ponds or a body of water (Kennedy et al.2000).

7. For identified birds, write their scientific names, common names and number of

individuals (frequency). For remarks you may write some activity of the bird where did

you observe like for example found in flocks, flying within the middle canopy, perching in

pairs or solitary, or describe the activity in few words.

8. If you observe more than number of species indicated in the table, don't stop listing.

Continue your observation until the observation time is over.

9. If you can't identify or not sure on the bird, record the notable characters and use the

field guide to Philippine birds of Kennedy or Fisher for confirmation before you write the

name on the table.

Notes from the field:

76

Data:

Name of observer: _________________________ Date _________________________

Area: ____________________________________ GPS: _________________________

Time of observation:________________________ Weather: ______________________

no. of species

Common name Scientific name Frequency Remarks

1234567891011121314

Important notes of some birds: (please indicate species 1, sp2 and don't mixed the

characters with other species)

77

References:

Atlantic Whale Foundation.(2011) A Beginners Guide to Birdwatching. Accessed from

www.whalenation.org/data/A-Beginners-Guide-to-Birdwatching.pdf on

5/28/13. p. 1-10

Fisher, T. and Hicks, N. (2005). A Photgraphic Guide to Birds of the Philippines

Grimshaw, P. (nd) Brief Guide to Bird Watching Techniques. Accessed from

www.karanamtcrosbyconnection.org.au/karana_mt_crosby/_dbase_up/BIRD _

WATCHING_TECHNIQUE.pdf on 5/20/13.

Kennedy, R. and et al. (2000) A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines

78

Name __________________________ Score ______________

Activity no. 16Class Mammalia: Gaits and Foot Pattern

Objectives:

1. To determine the types of mammalian gaits.

2. To compare the gaits of bipedal and quadrupedal animals.

3. To compare the plantar of each mammalian represented in the laboratory.

(Could be done outdoor or indoor. For outdoors captive bred areas are Malagos Garden

or Crocodile Park. For indoors, Mammalian video in BBC )

Procedure:

A. Gaits

1. Choose at least 1 bipedal and quadrupedal animal. Compare the walking phase and

running phase. Observe the alternating movement of the limbs used in the each

gaits.

2. Draw the gait pattern of each animal.

B. Foot/Plantar pattern

1. Compare the plantar design of your mammalian representative.

2. Draw and label.

Data:

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Draw the following gait patterns:

1. Galloping

2. Walking trot

3. Running trot

4. Hopping

Fill in the table: Define and give an example on each gait type.

Type Definition Example1. Volant

2. Flying

3. Cursorial

4. Tensorial

5. Scansorial

6. Swimming

7. Graviportal

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Name __________________________ Score ______________

Activity no. 17Class Mammalia: Animal Dentition

Objectives:

1. Compare the mammalian dental formula.

2. Identify the food preferences of an animal based on the dental formula.

Materials:

Digital Camera

Skull of the following animals:

Rabbit Dog Cat

Pig Dugong Cow

(alternative area if these representatives are not available: Bone Museum)

Procedure:

1. Photo document the lower jar and upper mandible on the following skulls. Make sure

the dental structures are complete.

2. Write the dental formula of each animal. Dental formula should be written in

fractional form and one side will be noted. In fraction, the numerator part

represented by the upper jaw while the denominator part for the lower jaw. This

should be written like this

I.C.P.M / I.C.P.M (I= incissors;C=canine;P=premolar;M=molar)

For example: Human = 2.1.2.3 2.1.2.3

To get the total number :

3. Based on the dental formula determine the diet of each animal.

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Data:

Pictures (Lower and Upper mandilbles)

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Fill in the table:

Animal Dental Formula Total Number

Diet

1. Goat

2. Cow

3. Pig

4. Dugong

5. Rabbit

6. Dog.7. Cat

Write your observations from the activity:

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