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
a. 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

Milk Fish

Frog/Toad

House Lizard

Fowl

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

Fowl

No. 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. 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
cardboard or cork board

(sizes 4, 8, and 12 round)

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?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________

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. 3

Fish 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
Standard Length
Total length
Head length
Snout length
Length of dorsal base
Height of dorsal base
Length of pectoral fin
Length of pelvic fin
Length of anal base

Measurements

Measurements

Parameters
Body depth
Length of longest dorsal spine

Eye diameter
Predorsal length
Suborbital width
Upper jaw length
Gape width
Head width
Depth of caudal peduncle

Length 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
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)

Counts

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. 4

Comparing 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 Form
Tail Type
Mouth
Orientation
Scale Type
Upper Jaw Teeth
Dorsal Spines
Dorsal Ray
Anal Spines
Pectoral Fin
Elements
Scales Along
Lateral Line
Total Gill Rakers
Pelvic 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 from
http://www.ejpau.media.pl/volume12/issue2/art-05.html on

19
Name _______________________

Score ______________

Activity no. 5
Class 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. 6
Frog 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

ChinLC

_________

_________

ChinMC

_________

ChestC _________

BelC

_________

HeadL

_________

HeadWm _________

HeadWp _________

Intnar

_________

NarEye

_________

Tymp

_________

TrnkL

_________

Trnkw

_________

ForlL

_________

ThghL

_________

CrusL

_________

TarsL

_________

HndfL

_________

Digits

________________________________

B. Quantitative characters
SVL

_________

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.pdf
Brown, 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 7
Toad 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

_________

ChinLC

_________

ChestC _________

ChinMC

_________

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 8
Tadpole 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

b. spiracle

d. oral disc

e. tail

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 9
Reptiles: 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

Vernier caliper

Chloroform

Cotton

Cages for live specimen

pen

camera

soap

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 Handling
So 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:
Local Name:_______________________
Common Name:____________________
Scientific Name:____________________

a. Head (Dorsal view)

Location : _______________________
Weather: ________________________
Time: ___________________________

b. Head (Lateral View)

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

Color: _________________________________
Scale types:
[ ] Scales with apical piths

[ ] Keeled mucronate

[ ] Cycloid

[ ] Granular

[ ] Others ___________

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. 10
Comparing 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

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

Qualitative Characters
Lizard from
other
groups

Presence of
limbs

Body Bottom
Color

Body Bottom
Pattern

Body Top
Pattern

Scale Type

D. Discussion the morphologies of the 3 specimen.

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

50
Name _________________________

Date ________________
Activity no. 11

Reptiles: 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:
Local Name:_______________________
Common Name:____________________
Scientific Name:____________________

Location : _______________________
Weather: ________________________
Time: ___________________________

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 ___________

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

Color: _________________________________
Scale types:
[ ] Scales with apical piths

[ ] Keeled mucronate

[ ] Cycloid

[ ] Granular

[ ] Others ___________

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-identifyingsnakes.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. 12
Reptiles: 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

* CSW carapace straight width

*CCL- Carapace curve length

* 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
Skin texture: [ ] smooth

[ ] deep
[ ] rough

Shape of frontal scale: _______________________

Nuchal : [ ] present

[ ] absent

(if present) no of pairs ________________

[ ] shallow
[ ] keeled

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:
"Atatr, M. K and Gmen, B. (2001). Amphibians and Reptiles of Northern Cyprus

(1st Edition), Ege niversitesi, Fen Fakltesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 170, Ege
niversitesi 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. 13
Bird 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
camera
caliper or tape measure

gloves
lab gown
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
Tar tarsus
W wing
B1 beak length
B2 Head length
L Total body length

Fig.2. Avian body measurement.

Fig 3. Head external anatomy.

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

Beak
length

Head
width

Head
length

Wing
length

Total
body
length

Girth

Wing
span

68
B. Descriptions (indicate the shape and color)
B.1 Head
1. 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. 14
Avian 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)
1

Silhouettes

Distinctive
character

Frequency

72
4

10

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

Name (CN)
Style

73
6

10

Reflection: What have you learn from this activity?

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________
References:
Kennedy et al(2000). Birds of the Philippines.

74

Name _____________________________

Score________

Activity no. 15
Bird 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

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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:

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Data:
Name of observer: _________________________ Date _________________________
Area: ____________________________________ GPS: _________________________
Time of observation:________________________ Weather: ______________________
no. of
species

Common name

Scientific name

Frequency

Remarks

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Important notes of some birds: (please indicate species 1, sp2 and don't mixed the
characters with other species)

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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. 16
Class 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:

79

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
1. Volant
2. Flying
3. Cursorial
4. Tensorial
5. Scansorial
6. Swimming
7. Graviportal

Definition

Example

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Name __________________________

Score ______________

Activity no. 17
Class 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)

82

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:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________