Study on the use of fish eggs in the teaching of embryology in high school biology
Abstract
Scope and Method of Study: The embryos of some teleost fishes are covered with a clear chorion. This report involves the methods by which certain of these embryos can be used in the high school biology program in the teaching of embryology. It discusses the species of fish that would be suitable for this purpose, their proper care and handling for the production of eggs, and methods of collecting fertilized eggs. Some oviparous and viviparous species are recommended for use in the classroom so that studies can be, made on both methods of offspring production. Selected embryonic developmental stages that would be suitable for high school observations are discussed and some are illustrated with photomicrographs. Sources of information on the aquarium, in addition to those in the bibliography, are to be found at the end of Chapter II. Materials used in writing this report include (1) original, published research papers dealing with fish embryology, (2) unpublished Master's Theses dealing with fish embryology, (3) personal conversations with persons working in the area of fish embryology, and ( 4) books on the subject of the aquarium. Findings and Conclusions: The study of embryology in the high school biology program can be made more meaningful with the use of selected teleost embryos. As a teaching tool, fish embryos can be most useful in clarifying certain developmental stages in other higher vertebrates. The embryos of many species develop rapidly; consequently, the student is able to observe several different developmental stages in one laboratory period. Many species of fishes lay eggs that can readily be used in the laboratory, and since water is the culture medium, many can be kept quite easily in the laboratory for observational purposes.
Collections
- OSU Master's Report [734]