These are also drawn, identified, and labeled. The drawings are a necessity. Without them, students have a tendency to make only brief, superficial observations. Lab drawings focus their observations and attention to the detail which is an important part of accurate anatomical analysis. This lab extends our previous discussion of evolution and homology and provides hands-on reinforcement of the concepts as well.
Evaluation is done in two ways.
First, the accuracy of the lab drawings is taken into account. Disparity in artistic ability is considered. The final evaluation, however, is based on an essay response by the students. In this essay, the students present their opinion of the debate over the relationship of dinosaurs and birds. Students are asked to give specific anatomical evidence and use appropriate anatomical terminology within their essay.