Observational Investigation of Systematics, Physiology, and Behavior of Vertebrates in a Living Collection

 

Bonnie McCormick, Sara Kerr, and Christy MacKinnon

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1995, Volume 16

Abstract

This laboratory exercise utilizes a zoological collection to teach vertebrate zoology in an introductory biology lab. Many colleges are near major vertebrate collections kept in zoos and aquariums. Most of these institutions maintain education departments with extensive information about individual collections. Major zoos are engaged in research in the areas of conservation, behavior, genetics and reproduction of endangered species, and animal health and nutrition. Students utilize the animal collection to observe and identify distinguishing characteristics of the various orders of vertebrates, relate structures to physiological function, correlate physiological adaptations to habitat, and observe and interpret behavioral characteristics.

Keywords:  vertebrate

Emory University (1994)