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Examining The Anatomy of Lizards V

The document provides an overview of lizards, particularly the house lizard, and outlines a lab investigation focused on examining their anatomy. It includes pre-lab questions and detailed instructions for observing and dissecting the external and internal structures of a lizard. Key anatomical features such as skin texture, scales, and internal organs like the heart and liver are highlighted for study.

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marilyn grapa
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24 views4 pages

Examining The Anatomy of Lizards V

The document provides an overview of lizards, particularly the house lizard, and outlines a lab investigation focused on examining their anatomy. It includes pre-lab questions and detailed instructions for observing and dissecting the external and internal structures of a lizard. Key anatomical features such as skin texture, scales, and internal organs like the heart and liver are highlighted for study.

Uploaded by

marilyn grapa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Examining the Anatomy of Lizards v

Introduction
Reptiles are ectothermic, or cold-blooded, vertebrates that are covered with
dry scaly skin. They are adapted for reproduction on land. Most species are
land dwelling, but some species spend much time in water. Turtles, snakes,
lizards, crocodiles, and alligators are reptiles. Reptilian skin is dry, thick, and
waterproof, protecting the body from drying out even in very dry climates.
The skin is covered by tough scales that protect the animal from injury. The
house lizard, is a common lizard found throughout Asia. it can be found on
shrubs, trees, and fences, and on the ground. Often it is found around
homes, and it seems to thrive in areas inhabited by humans. The house
lizard is best known for the ability of its skin color to change from green to
brown or gray. This change in skin color is thought to be stimulated by
changes in light intensity, temperature, and emotional state. In this
investigation, you will observe the external and internal structures of a
lizard.
Pre-Lab Questions:
With your lab group verbally answer the following questions.
1. House lizard are found in dry environments. What type of skin would
you predict anoles to have?

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2. What evidence would indicate that anoles are land-dwelling rather than
water-dwelling animals?

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3. Describe the heart of an Anole.

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4. What are some other “lizards” similar to the Anole that we could have
dissected?

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5. What organs do you think will be visible in your dissected anole?

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Part A. External Anatomy of the House Lizard

1. Observe the texture and color of the house lizard’s skin.


2. Examine the scales around the head
4. Note the dewlap (membrane under neck) if present, do you have a male or
female?
5. Examine the tail and think about how its anatomy (ability to detach from
the body) works.
6. Examine the head. Look for the presence of eyelids and external ear
openings. Look for the presence of nostrils.
7. Open the mouth. Look for the presence of teeth.
8. Examine the feet, notice their shape.
9. Be prepared to label the parts given the figure: head, trunk, tail, dewlap,
foot, nostrils, and external ear opening.
Figure 1: External Anatomy

10. Begin the dissection of your lizard. The anole should be lying on its dorsal
(back) side with his belly facing up. To secure the anole for the dissection,
pin each of his four limbs to the pan. Make a common “I “incision carefully on
your Anole. Lift back the skin/tissue and find the following organs.
• The liver is a large, brownish colored organ covering most of the body
cavity
• The heart is a small triangular organ between the front legs and anterior to
the liver
• Lift the liver up you will see a small, greenish sac underneath it. This is the
gall bladder
• The stomach is a large, firm, sac-like organ on the left side of the anole
• The small intestine is a long, folded, tube-like organ that is posterior to the
stomach
Remove the liver, heart and gall bladder
• The lungs are at the anterior end of the body cavity on either side of the
heart
11. Follow your teacher’s instructions for disposing of the anole or storing it
for further use. Clean and dry all tools, and don’t forget to WASH YOUR
HANDS

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