Shark DissectionVideo coming soonShark Dissection
Dogfish sharks used in this lab are Squalus acanthias. Students identify the fins, gill slits, and other external features, then open the body cavity to see the digestive organs and the heart.
Shark DissectionVideo coming soonLearning sequence
- PrepareComplete the pre-lab.
- ObserveIdentify the external features before opening the body cavity.
- RecordComplete the drawings and questions on the lab write-up.
In This Lab You Will
Identify the fins and the other external features, including the gill slits.
Tell a male shark from a female shark.
Open the body cavity and find the digestive organs.
Identify the parts of the heart.
Complete the pre-lab and the lab write-up.
Materials
A large dissecting tray, surgical scissors with one blunt tip, a scalpel, a dull probe, T-pins, and forceps.
Safety
Do not make deep cuts. Follow your teacher's directions before cutting.
Photos & Anatomy References
Select an image to enlarge it. These are the shark lab photos from the Life Labs collection.
Lab photos from the Mr. E Science Life Labs collection.