Today we will be investigating VIRTUAL DISSECTIONS. This lab activity is meant to reinforce the material presented in the lecture on Evolution, and will add
some basic anatomy to your knowledge base.
To begin, review the background material on the vertebrate anatomy:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vertebrate (Links to an external site.)
In this lab, we will be comparing TWO vertebrate organisms (ie, no you cannot choose a clam, starfish or a sponge.) from the following list:
https://www.navs.org/additional-information/bioleap-dissection-alternatives/free-online-dissection-resources/#.X2lQcR17knV (Links to an external site.)
In this lab, we will be comparing TWO vertebrate organisms (for example, you cannot choose a clam, starfish or a sponge.)
Please pick any two vertebrates, (Ie. both selected organisms MUST have a spine) and run a search for information about them, including a video simulation
or virtual dissection of these two organisms. Consult at least 3 sources and use information you find there in to write your essay.
For your lab write up, you will submit a 1+ page, 3+ paragraph essay where you compare and contrast the two organisms you selected. Be sure to note major
similarities and comment on the potential benefit of the differences. Speculate how selective pressure from the environment might have influenced the
organisms anatomical structures. Next rank the two organisms in terms of evolutionary order. Ie. Which organism evolved first? Which is a higher order or a
lesser order organism? You will likely need to perform a light internet search to address these questions fully. As this is the ONLY graded item for this lab,
please be sure you spend an appropriate amount of effort comparing and contrasting the organisms