SPINY DOGFISH SHARK DISSECTION
There comes a time in the life of every high school student when he or she will be asked to take a knife to a dead organism in the name of science, exploration, and learning. It was this time of year for the 10th grade Biology class. We were given a selection between a domestic cat, fetal pig, or dogfish shark. Personally, my affection toward felines is so strong that I would not be able to perform the procedure on a cat, and if I choose a pig, I would have to give up bacon. A shark was the obvious choice. I also wanted to compare the shark's anatomy to that of humans to compare the differences.
The sharks used for this exploration are known as Spiny Dogfish Sharks, named after poisonous spines located along each of their dorsal fins. Fisherman the wild sharks and sell them to Carolina Biological, where they are used by schools in the name of science.
To say the least, the procedure was a very...new experience. I'd never used a scalpel before, let alone seen the intestines of another species. I learned about the subject's digestive, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive systems. The shark's body has adapted in order to be more streamline in its underwater environment. For example, the intestines are able to expand or contract based on the amount of nutrients present in the system. Another adaptation allows for the shark to breath while not in constant motion, allowing for the conservation of energy in sparse conditions. These are just two of the many amazing adaptations that I learned about while with my specimen.
To end this unit, we were giving an oral exam in order to test our knowledge of not only our specimen’s systems, but the individuality that each different species possess. Although interesting, this is one high school memory that I will be pressed to forget.
Below you can find diagrams and images of a Spiny Dogfish Shark.
The sharks used for this exploration are known as Spiny Dogfish Sharks, named after poisonous spines located along each of their dorsal fins. Fisherman the wild sharks and sell them to Carolina Biological, where they are used by schools in the name of science.
To say the least, the procedure was a very...new experience. I'd never used a scalpel before, let alone seen the intestines of another species. I learned about the subject's digestive, circulatory, urinary, and reproductive systems. The shark's body has adapted in order to be more streamline in its underwater environment. For example, the intestines are able to expand or contract based on the amount of nutrients present in the system. Another adaptation allows for the shark to breath while not in constant motion, allowing for the conservation of energy in sparse conditions. These are just two of the many amazing adaptations that I learned about while with my specimen.
To end this unit, we were giving an oral exam in order to test our knowledge of not only our specimen’s systems, but the individuality that each different species possess. Although interesting, this is one high school memory that I will be pressed to forget.
Below you can find diagrams and images of a Spiny Dogfish Shark.