Benefits of the zoological park to the teaching of comparative vertebrate anatomy
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1995 |
Authors: |
Richard L. Doolittle, Theodore I. Grand |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Publisher: |
A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services |
Keywords: |
career options, functional anatomy, teaching |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430140507.abs Zoological parks offer varied benefits and opportunities to comparative vertebrate anatomy (CVA) as it is taught at the college/university level. First, exotic species enrich and clarify the major principles of anatomy—form and function, adaptive behavior, and evolutionary process—in ways that traditional laboratory species (dogfish, frog, cat) cannot achieve. Second, students aged 18–22 are sophisticated enough to integrate gross anatomy with the functions of behavior, behavior with exhibit design, design with animal management, and management with the politics of conservation. Third, direct contacts between students and zoo person-nel (keepers, clinical and research staff) suggest career options beyond the pre-med/prevet orientations of most biology concentrators. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.