Fetal Pig Dissection Summative Lab
Preamble:
Like humans, the pig is a placental mammal, meaning that the fetus receives nourishment
from the mother through the umbilical cord. In this investigation, you will study the
circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems of the fetal pig. Because the anatomy of the
fetal pig resembles that of other placental mammals, this activity serves two important
functions: it provides a representative overview of vertebrate anatomy and it provides the
framework for understanding functioning body systems.
<http://www.whitman.edu/biology/vpd/main.html>
Requirements
Title – be clear, specific and include more detail than you probably think you should
Purpose – what is the purpose of the lab? Your purpose need to be specific and clear.
Materials – list all items used
Procedure – step by step what you did during the dissection, with reference to specific
sections e.g. internal anatomy: refer to section E, page 4 in the fetal pig dissection guidelines.
(models, samples)
Observations – For each of the following include a complete and labelled diagram
and corresponding questions if required:
(1) external anatomy with questions from additional guidelines [Questions 1-5, 7-10, 13]
(2) internal anatomy
(3) digestive system
(4) excretory/urogential system,
(5) circulatory system with questions from additional guidelines [Section G–Questions 1-5]
(6) breathing system with questions from additional guidelines [Section E–Questions 1-4]
(7) miscellaneous – if you have the time. This is not about outstanding artistic quality, but your work
must reflect care and neatness.
Discussion
You are expected to apply your understanding of the material as well as researching for information to
supplement your answers. Your answers should be clear, concise, and use proper citations should you use
outside sources. Each answer is expected to be 1-2 paragraph in length.
CHOOSE AT LEAST 2 QUESTIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING CLUSTERS; YOU SHOULD
ANSWER A TOTAL OF 10 QUESTIONS :
Cluster 1: Homeostasis and internal balance - ANSWER ONLY 2
1. Homeostasis, maintaining a steady-state internal environment, is a characteristic of all living organisms.
Choose three of the following parameters and for each, describe how homeostasis is maintained in an
organism of your choice. Be sure to indicate what animal you have chosen for each parameter. You may use
the same animal or different animals for your three descriptions.
-glucose levels
2. Explain the effect of temperature on the metabolic rate of ectotherms (e.g. fish). Connect your answer to
include the effect on fish that a power plant will have which releases warm water into a large lake.
3. What is the function of lymph? How does it work?
Cluster 2: Heart and Circulation - ANSWER ONLY 2
4. Trace a drop of blood through the human circulatory system starting and ending in the right atrium.
5. Name some adaptive advantages of the mammalian circulatory system (compare to a fish and amphibian).
How do you think these adaptations benefit mammals? Why is the mammalian system of blood circulation
considered the most efficient out of these examples?
6. Hormones are important in facilitating human life. Using evidence, give an example of a hormone that effect
the heart and its function. Why is this hormone important?
Cluster 3: Digestion and Nutrients - ANSWER ONLY 2
7. Trace a polysaccharide through the human digestive system. Explain what is happening at each of the main
stages along the way.
8. Which of the sections of the small intestine are most important? Justify your answer with reasoning.
9. Explain why a 100% fat free diet is virtually impossible to attain, and why it might be an unhealthy choice.
10. What is glucagon and what is its function? How does its function compare to another pancreatic hormone,
insulin?
Cluster 4: Respiration and Breathing - ANSWER ONLY 2
11. Countercurrent flow aids gas exchange and temperature regulation. Explain how countercurrent flow in a
fish’s gills is similar to what you would expect to find in the leg circulation of a penguin.
12. Trace the path taken by a molecule of O2 as it moves from the atmosphere outside the body arriving at a
muscle cell.
13. What is diffusion and what are some factors that improves the efficiency of this process? Using an organism
of your choice, explain how diffusion facilitates its respiratory processes.
Cluster 5: Disease and Ethics - ANSWER ONLY 2
14. Describe a disorder related to the each of the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems. Include causes,
symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, etc.
15. Do you agree with dissecting fetal pigs in high school? Consider opposing opinions, and justify your opinion
based on evidence in at least two paragraphs.
16. Knowing how similar animals are to people, what is your opinion on euthanizing(mercy killing)
animals that are sick, disabled, or abandoned? Justify your opinion based on evidence in at least two
paragraphs.
References Cited – include all references used in “Referencing in Science Guide” sheet. Make
sure to include in-text citations in your discussion.
Checklist
November 9th: Read the fetal pig dissection guidelines and p. 308 – 312 of your textbook. Make
yourself familiar with the additional guidelines as well.
 November 9-12: Create all labelled diagrams as required in class, and make additional touches to
diagrams at home. Work on discussion questions at home.
November 16th&17th: Work period in class on 16th and in computer lab on 17th. Submit final copy
of your lab including all parts described above on Tuesday November 17th.


Learning Skills and Work Habits
Excellent
Good
I fully use this
I use this learning
learning
skill/work habit to
skill/work habit
reach my potential
to reach my
in this course a lot
potential in this
of the time.
course.
Responsibility
Learning Skills
and Work Habits
Satisfactory
I know this skill/habit
is important for me
to reach my
potential but I have
to be reminded
about it.
Needs Improvement
I don’t show that I
know this skill/habit is
important for me to
reach my potential.
- Does class work within the set timelines
- Records own set of lab results during the lab
- Takes responsibility for share of lab work and
clean up
- Follows lab procedures carefully and repeats
steps, as necessary; does not take short-cuts
or
rush through the activity
Organization
- Comes prepared for lab activities by having
read pre-lab materials
-Respects deadlines by setting priorities
- Asks specific questions when tasks are not
clear
Independent Work
- Uses time wisely during work periods and
respects classmates’ work time
- Follows instructions with minimal supervision
- Displays a positive work ethic
Collaboration
- Accepts equitable share of work in a group
- Shares ideas and promotes critical thinking to
develop ‘thinking’ questions for discussion
Lab Report Marking Scheme
Explanation
Criteria
Knowledge
Level
Title & Problem / Lab
Technique / Observations/
Materials/Procedure



Clear, concise direction is given to the lab through problem & title.
Safe and competent skills are demonstrated throughout the lab.
Thorough, high quality, qualitative labelled diagrams. There should be 7. Answers to
questions within the observation section.
0
0
0
1
1
4
2
2
8
3 4
3 4
12 16
Inquiry
Materials / Procedure


Materials list is appropriate and complete.
An elegantly designed set of procedures has been created based on all sources utilized.
0
0
1
2
2
4
3
6
Application


Thorough answers to discussion questions.
Insightful thoughts on the dissection controversy. Considers multiple opinions and
justifies own opinion based on evidence.
0
0
5
2
10 15 20
4 6 8

Spelling, grammar, scientific terminology, presentation, organization and
completeness.
Complete works cited and in text citations in CSE format.
0
0
2
1
4
2
Discussion Questions
Communication

Level 4 – Excellent
Level 3 – Good
Level 1 – Limited
Level 0 – Incomplete
Level 2 – Satisfactory
Total
6
3
/76
4
8
8
4