Biology Practical Activities

Comparison of Vertebrate Limbs

Limbs of various vertebrates are provided: e.g. fish- Tilapia, amphibian-frog reptiles, lizard; bird – domestic fowl (chicken), mammal- rabbit. Their anatomy can be studied.

The following can be noted:

1. That all limbs have five sets of bones;
2. A single upper bone- the femur in hind limb and the humerus in fore limb
3. Two lower limb bones -i.e. the tibia & fibula in the hind limb & ulna & radius in the forelimb.
4. Small bones – i.e. ankle (tarsals) and wrist bones (carpals)
5. The bones making the foot and hand are metatarsals and metacarpals respectively.
6. The bones of toes and of fingers i.e. phalanges
7. Observe the various modifications of these bones in the various animals.
8. Limbs of different mammals e.g. rabbit, cow, donkey reveal that the anatomy is adapted to mode or type of movement. e.g. the horse has a single digit.
9. An outdoor activity to observe various sty les of movement in different mammals can be studied.
10. It is noted that some move on tips of toes (donkey) others on the whole leg (rabbit).

Comparison of Wings of bird and insect

1. Wings of birds and insects (grasshopper, butterfly or moth) are obtained.
2. A hand lens or a dissecting microscope is used to observe the specimens.
3. The differences in their anatomy are noted.
4. Insect wings are membranous while those of birds are made up of feathers that interlock.