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Moore, Timothy
Moore, Timothy
Instructor: Mrs. Tammy Moore
Class: VHSG Online Chemistry
15 March 2009
CRAYFISH DISSECTION
Crayfish Anatomy Observations Through Dissection
Observation of the structures visible with the naked eye through dissection of a Crayfish.
Abstract
Crayfish are organisms of the class Crustacea in the phylum Arthropoda. Since the crayfish is the
“standard” crustacean to study, I’m going to observe the anatomy via dissection.
Introduction
Crustacea comprise a class that is distinguished by [list the key characteristics of this class]. It is
significant organism to study anatomically because it is considered the standard crustacean so the
anatomy that I observe can be applied to many of the other organisms in this class. [If you get a chance
to collect a crayfish from a stream to observe its behavior, include some observations here.]
Methods and Observations
Materials

Preserved Crayfish

Dissection pan or styrofoam vegetable tray

Dissection tool kit including scalpel, probe, scissors, and pins. In the absence of a dissection kit
a razor blade, straight pins, and toothpick can be substituted
OBESERVING THE EXTERNAL NATOMY:
I observed the external anatomy paying particular attention to the body segmentation, legs,
mouth structures, antenae, sexual organs, and eyes. I have included labeled [sketches or photos] of the
Moore, Timothy
specimen's external anatomy [include them in the body of your report or as an attached appendix].
OBSERVING THE INTERNAL ANTOMY:
The crayfish was opened up by carefully by cutting the carapace and exposing the gill chamber.
I have included labeled [sketches or photos] of the specimen's gill chamber [include them in the body
of your report or as an attached appendix]. [Describe the gill chamber in ways that are not obvious in
the photos such as the texture of the gills].
Next, I went beyond the gill chamber into the innermost section of the cephalothorax. Within
this structure I observed [include your observations, sketches, photos etc here]
Next, I openned up the abdomen. Within this structure I observed [include your observations,
sketches, photos etc here]
Conclusion
My observations [summarize the key things you observed about the anatomy of the crayfish].
References