Exploring Animal Photoreceptors and Eyes: Tested Studies for Laboratory Teaching
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
2011
Publication Source
Proceedings of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education
Volume Number
32
First Page
211
Last Page
224
Publisher
Association for Biology Laboratory Education
Abstract
In this exercise, students examine an array of invertebrates and vertebrates to explore structure-function relationships among animals, using photoreception and vision as a context. This exercise was developed to accompany aPhysics-based lab (Barney et al. 2009), in which students model the physical relationships of different structural “eye” types. Building on the biodiversity component, students examine simple eyespots (Dugesia); a variety of eyes that use “pinholes” to channel light rays; and the eyes of scallops (Pecten) which include reflective “mirror” surfaces. Students also study microscope slides to examine structure-function relationships in insect compound eyes and to compare the retinas of various vertebrates. Additionally, they dissect a representative mammalian eye (Bos). In an optional investigation, students collect data from humans to test a working hypothesis about the relationship between age and accommodation.
Keywords
Zoology, Vision, Structure-function relationships, Retina, Photoreceptors, Eyes, Dissection, Animal Anatomy and Physiology
Recommended Citation
Published in: Proceedings of the Association for Biology Laboratory Education, Volume 32, January 1, 2011, pages 211-224. Copyright © 2011 Association for Biology Laboratory Education. The final published version is available at: http://www.ableweb.org/volumes/vol-32/v32reprint.php?ch=17
