Students examine the types of hair important to the survival of not only the wolf but other species that interact with the wolf. Pieces of pelts and microscope slides of hair are provided. They learn predatory and herbivorous adaptations through observation and measurement. In this exercise students examine the jaws of deer to determine their age by observing the amount of wear on the teeth. This lab profiles the lives of northern forest animals by examining the tracks left behind.
Students become expert at tracking by identifying tracks, following and interpreting signs.
This lab is a higher level activity designed to have students determine the weight and size of an animal based on track size and depression of the track. This lab incorporates and explains the development of the mathematical formulas used. The student learns how to determine the relative health of the animal by examining the marrow inside the leg bones. Also included is information on crippling diseases. Students will examine x-rays and draw conclusions.