Biology - HOT Science Lab

Student
Materials (per group):
Invertebrate handouts (pictures) or Invertebrate specimen samples
Dichotomous key
Procedures:
1. In your assigned group observe and discuss the specimens that you were given.
2. As a group, arrange them into piles according to similarities and differences.
3. Use the dichotomous key provided to determine which phyla the animals belong to. (Hint:
Definitions from the assigned vocabulary will help).
4. Once you have identified a phyla for all the specimens provided, verify with the teacher if
you were correct.
Observations/Data:
1. Match the letter of the animal to the phyla.
2. Write down the step by step sequence of events that led your team towards finding the
name of the phyla to which each animal belongs to.
3. List several observations that helps us ―see‖ this animal‘s behavior when it is alive:
Data Analysis/Results:
1. Was the key helpful in identifying the invertebrates Why
2. Write the characteristics of each animal pictured, its phylum and common name.
3. Would you change the identification key How
Conclusion:
Why has it been so hard for scientists to classify some invertebrates as animals
How do animals that are sessile, able to find new locations in which to live
How can animals who are sessile, meet others of the same species to reproduce
Contrast the simplest invertebrates to very complicated vertebrates.
What are some of the differences that can be seen by noting the external morphological
differences
Write conclusions to your observations following the guidelines on the Parts of a Lab
Report: A Step-by-Step Checklist.
Biology HSL Page 83
Curriculum and Instruction