Dissection labs
Phylum Porifera (Sponge):
The Sponge that we dissected was a basic group of cells. Not having a central nervous system, not having organs or even tissues, but simply cells that live together. To get oxygen, it diffuses from passing by water. And it doesn't have nervous system or anything resembling one. It obtains its nutrients and food by straining out small particles floating by. Each cells gets its nutrients individually, but they live and work together to function as one entity. It is as if the sponge uses a hive mind to live and grow into a successful being.
Porifera Ecology (Sponges): Many sponges provide habitats for other organisms such as snails, sea stars, and shrimp. Sponges can also form relationships with bacteria, algae, and plant-like protists which provides food and oxygen to the animal. In turn, the sponge provides a protected area where the other organisms can live. In addition, because sponges are often attached to the sea floor, they only receive low levels of sunlight. However these animals have developed spicules that focus and direct incoming light to cells below. This provides sunlight for other symbiotic organisms to carry out photosynthesis and also allows the sponge to survive in a wide range of habitats.
Classes: When looking at the sponges, there are three main classes. The three classes consist of the Calcerea, Hexiactinella, and Demospongiae. Each of these therefore have there own distinctions that separate them. The Calcerea have spicules that are made from a specific material, Calcite, hence the name. The Hexiactinella have spicules like stars with six points, hence “hexa” in the name, meaning six. The Demospongiae have a different kind of skeleton, made of spongin, hence sponge in their name. These scientists really aren’t creative in their names, now are they?
Porifera Ecology (Sponges): Many sponges provide habitats for other organisms such as snails, sea stars, and shrimp. Sponges can also form relationships with bacteria, algae, and plant-like protists which provides food and oxygen to the animal. In turn, the sponge provides a protected area where the other organisms can live. In addition, because sponges are often attached to the sea floor, they only receive low levels of sunlight. However these animals have developed spicules that focus and direct incoming light to cells below. This provides sunlight for other symbiotic organisms to carry out photosynthesis and also allows the sponge to survive in a wide range of habitats.
Classes: When looking at the sponges, there are three main classes. The three classes consist of the Calcerea, Hexiactinella, and Demospongiae. Each of these therefore have there own distinctions that separate them. The Calcerea have spicules that are made from a specific material, Calcite, hence the name. The Hexiactinella have spicules like stars with six points, hence “hexa” in the name, meaning six. The Demospongiae have a different kind of skeleton, made of spongin, hence sponge in their name. These scientists really aren’t creative in their names, now are they?
Phylum Cnidaria (Jellyfish):
The jellyfish in the phylum Cnidaria have made impressive advancements over their Poriferan counterparts especially considering how early in Earth's history they evolved. They have most importantly developed a method of not only movement but to catch prey as well. They also are some of the only animals on our planet to have an anti-aging method, as they can, if necessary, revert back to their polyp form. They have a stomach and a method to catch prey, in this they have moved up the food chain from the sponges. They have also developed tissue and specialized cells and organs, where as sponges are simply clumps of cells. As well as this, they have a more specialized body plan that allows them to do more than sponges, and be more evolutionarily advanced and adaptful to environmental changes. This body plan includes a thin bone structure, and two germ layers.
Cnidaria Ecology (Corals): In the past corals have been threatened by naturally occurring disasters. These disasters were not devastating enough to wipe out a family of coral. However, today it is a different story. Now the human population has accelerated and increased the risk of extinction for these corals. Examples of this include, recreational divers accidentally damaging reefs, mining and logging washing silt and other kinds of sediments onto the corals. Chemical fertilizers and insecticides are also quite dangerous. They cover the coral in a blanket of chemicals that suffocates them. Even if a coral is attacked by one of these harmful elements, it may survive, but it leaves the coral defenseless to other natural predators.
Classes: In the phylum Cnidaria there are four main classes. These classes are Anthozoa (corals), Hydrozoa (calcified skeletons), Scyphozoa (jellyfish), and Octocorallia (more calcified skeletons, but are weaker in structure. The Anthozoa class is considered the most important because the polyps it produces are ready fossils that can be study later. Hydrozoans are one of the most diverse groups of Cnidarians. The more important species construct their skeletons out of calcite to disguise themselves as corals. The class Scyphozoa start as a grounded polyp though evolve into a free swimming medusa-like organism.
Cnidaria Ecology (Corals): In the past corals have been threatened by naturally occurring disasters. These disasters were not devastating enough to wipe out a family of coral. However, today it is a different story. Now the human population has accelerated and increased the risk of extinction for these corals. Examples of this include, recreational divers accidentally damaging reefs, mining and logging washing silt and other kinds of sediments onto the corals. Chemical fertilizers and insecticides are also quite dangerous. They cover the coral in a blanket of chemicals that suffocates them. Even if a coral is attacked by one of these harmful elements, it may survive, but it leaves the coral defenseless to other natural predators.
Classes: In the phylum Cnidaria there are four main classes. These classes are Anthozoa (corals), Hydrozoa (calcified skeletons), Scyphozoa (jellyfish), and Octocorallia (more calcified skeletons, but are weaker in structure. The Anthozoa class is considered the most important because the polyps it produces are ready fossils that can be study later. Hydrozoans are one of the most diverse groups of Cnidarians. The more important species construct their skeletons out of calcite to disguise themselves as corals. The class Scyphozoa start as a grounded polyp though evolve into a free swimming medusa-like organism.
Phylum Annelida (Earthworms):
The Annelids have been much more complex than the organisms previously studied. For example, organs and organ systems are present. Neither of these are present in the jellyfish dissected. They have also adapted to living life as a land creature rather than underwater, a big evolutionary leap. Also present in the earthworm is segmentation and a central nervous system, resulting in cephalization. This shows how much more advanced these organisms are as compared to the previous phyla discussed.
Annelid Ecology (Earthworms): Annelids such as the earthworm spend much of their lives burrowing in soil, aerating it, and mixing it to depths of 2 meters. The tunnels they create provide passageways for plants roots and water and allow beneficial soil bacteria to grow. Worms pull plant matter deep into the ground where they digest it and mix it with bacteria that help the matter decompose; annelids also bring minerals from lower layers of the soil up to the surface. Earthworms are also an important part of the diet of birds, moles, skunks, toads, and other animals. Marine annelids and their larvae are also an important food for fish and crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters.
Phylum Classes Annelida: Classes: Polychaeta (marine annelids)- The name polychaeta means “many bristles.” The reason it is called this is due to their paddle like appendages that are tipped with setae or the bristles in this case.
Leeches (Hirudinea)- This class contains leeches which are otherwise known as parasites. Parasites suck the blood and body fluids of their host and need a host to live. Not very nice.
Oligochaetes (earthworm)- This class contains the common earthworm we think of associated with the term annelid. This class typically has tube-like bodies and few setae compared to their neighboring class polychaetes. They typically spend much of their time either in water or, more commonly, in soil.
Annelid Ecology (Earthworms): Annelids such as the earthworm spend much of their lives burrowing in soil, aerating it, and mixing it to depths of 2 meters. The tunnels they create provide passageways for plants roots and water and allow beneficial soil bacteria to grow. Worms pull plant matter deep into the ground where they digest it and mix it with bacteria that help the matter decompose; annelids also bring minerals from lower layers of the soil up to the surface. Earthworms are also an important part of the diet of birds, moles, skunks, toads, and other animals. Marine annelids and their larvae are also an important food for fish and crustaceans, such as crabs and lobsters.
Phylum Classes Annelida: Classes: Polychaeta (marine annelids)- The name polychaeta means “many bristles.” The reason it is called this is due to their paddle like appendages that are tipped with setae or the bristles in this case.
Leeches (Hirudinea)- This class contains leeches which are otherwise known as parasites. Parasites suck the blood and body fluids of their host and need a host to live. Not very nice.
Oligochaetes (earthworm)- This class contains the common earthworm we think of associated with the term annelid. This class typically has tube-like bodies and few setae compared to their neighboring class polychaetes. They typically spend much of their time either in water or, more commonly, in soil.
Phylum Mollusca (Mollusks):
The mollusk dissected as shown on the left, a squid, has become very advanced over the jellyfish and sponge. It has a high degree of cephalization, organs for digestion and even sight, and bilateral symmetry. Bilateral symmetry is important because that is the evolutionary trend from this point forward in history, whether studying a frog or a human, or yes, a squid. This squid has developed tentacles as a food capturing source to become a fierce predator of early seas. It even has a body cavity that's more advanced than its predecessors.
Mollusca Ecology (Mollusks): Mollusks are very important to their environment for a variety of reasons. For one, they filter out algae, they also feed on some smaller animals and plants, giving them a large role in the food chain. Some bivalves also have a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with the local bacteria. Mollusks are also finding a good use for humans. As they soak up many pollutants, we can learn about water pollution from them. They are also used for cancer research because they seem to be immune to the disease. Phylum Classes Mollusca: Classes: The Phylum Mollusca has three major classes within it. These consist of the gastropods, the bivalves, and the cephalopods. The gastropods are separated because of their large foot used for movement. The bivalves have two shells connected by muscle (clams, mussels, oysters). The class of the cephalopods are distinguished by their quite large heads and one foot. This foot, however, is often separated into multiple tentacles. |
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods):
The grasshopper was the most advanced creature studied thus far. It has great cephalization, with an advanced brain and eyes, as well as segmentation. It has such a high degree of segmentation that the thorax alone is separated into multiple sections. the grasshopper has also developed legs and appendages for a variety of complex and specific actions. Overall, this organism is more advanced than any of our prior dissected animals.
Phylum Classes Arthropoda: Classes: The Phylum Arthropoda is the most diverse phylum in the world. It ranges through the classes of Crustaceans, Chelicerata, and Uniramia. The Crustaceans include animals like crabs and lobsters. The Cheliceratas include spiders and their cousins the horseshoe crabs, surprising not in the same class as standard crabs. This class also includes the mites and ticks, and the scorpions. The final grouping are the Uniramians, which include the insects, centipedes, and millipedes. This is by far the most diverse class of all. Arthropods Ecology (Insects): Many insects are known for their negative effects on humans or the environment. Some types of arthropods can cost billions of dollars of damage in just a year. Other insects such as mosquitoes or ticks can transmit deadly diseases to both people and other organisms in their environment. Despite these negative points, these small creatures help to pollinate crops, flowers, trees, and other plants that are vital to humans. Agriculture could not survive without them. In addition, insects serve as an important food source for a variety of birds, amphibians, and other animals. |
Phylum Chordata (Vertebrates):
This fish is the first dissection we have done on an animal with bones. That is,after all, its big advancement and why it is a vertebrate in the first place. this fish also has developed gills, fins, and teeth. This is why it is farther down the evolutionary line than previous animals. It has almost a human-esque eye and a complex body plan.
Phylum Classes Chordates: Classes: There are five main classes. These are classes Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia. The Osteichthyes class consists of bony fish and even some types of shark. The Amphibia class is made up of salamanders, frogs, and Newts. The Reptilia class is made up of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, etc. The Aves class consists of many types of birds. Lastly, the chordate subclass is made up of us humans, and almost every warm-blooded four-legged walking creature.
Chordata Ecology (Frogs): Most amphibians, such as frogs, need to live near water or in a moist place such as a rainforest. Some amphibians can also live in places such as the desert, but they must have special adaptations to survive. Because frogs make an easy meal for a variety predators, many have adapted to display skin markings that ward off potential enemies; in addition, some amphibians can ooze a unpleasant-tasting toxin from a gland. However, recent studies have shown that frog populations are decreasing. These animals are very susceptible to decreasing habitats, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, fungal infections, introduced aquatic predators, and increasing human populations.
Phylum Classes Chordates: Classes: There are five main classes. These are classes Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia. The Osteichthyes class consists of bony fish and even some types of shark. The Amphibia class is made up of salamanders, frogs, and Newts. The Reptilia class is made up of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, etc. The Aves class consists of many types of birds. Lastly, the chordate subclass is made up of us humans, and almost every warm-blooded four-legged walking creature.
Chordata Ecology (Frogs): Most amphibians, such as frogs, need to live near water or in a moist place such as a rainforest. Some amphibians can also live in places such as the desert, but they must have special adaptations to survive. Because frogs make an easy meal for a variety predators, many have adapted to display skin markings that ward off potential enemies; in addition, some amphibians can ooze a unpleasant-tasting toxin from a gland. However, recent studies have shown that frog populations are decreasing. These animals are very susceptible to decreasing habitats, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, fungal infections, introduced aquatic predators, and increasing human populations.
Phylum Chordata (Vertebrates):
The frog was our last animal to dissect, and was worthy of this. The frog was our most complex land animal to dissect by far. It had very specialized legs and skin. The head and brain was very complex and it may have been the largest animal we dissected. The frog was surprisingly human-like, which was both humbling and a bit unsettling at the same time. It shows convergent evolution.
Phylum Classes Chordates: Classes: There are five main classes. These are classes Osteichthyes, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves, and Mammalia. The Osteichthyes class consists of bony fish and even some types of shark. The Amphibia class is made up of salamanders, frogs, and Newts. The Reptilia class is made up of snakes, crocodiles, lizards, etc. The Aves class consists of many types of birds. Lastly, the chordate subclass is made up of us humans, and almost every warm-blooded four-legged walking creature. Chordata Ecology (Frogs): Most amphibians, such as frogs, need to live near water or in a moist place such as a rainforest. Some amphibians can also live in places such as the desert, but they must have special adaptations to survive. Because frogs make an easy meal for a variety predators, many have adapted to display skin markings that ward off potential enemies; in addition, some amphibians can ooze a unpleasant-tasting toxin from a gland. However, recent studies have shown that frog populations are decreasing. These animals are very susceptible to decreasing habitats, depletion of the ozone layer, acid rain, water pollution, fungal infections, introduced aquatic predators, and increasing human populations. |
Protist Lab:
Procedure:
1. Get slides of protists
2. Observe at set intervals of magnification
3. Prepare and observe wet slides
4. Write down observations
Conclusion:
We were able to observe the protists and learn more about them, as well as actually view them alive too. We learned about how to use and focus the microscope, and also prepare slides.
1. Get slides of protists
2. Observe at set intervals of magnification
3. Prepare and observe wet slides
4. Write down observations
Conclusion:
We were able to observe the protists and learn more about them, as well as actually view them alive too. We learned about how to use and focus the microscope, and also prepare slides.