Background information on the biology of aphids is supplied. Using this information in a wide variety of investigations, many involving equipment and techniques available in the school laboratory, can be carried out. An appendix lists possible projects. (Author)

Most biology students have the opportunity to look at protozoa under the microscopes or keep mealworms in a bowl. They may manipulate the heart rate of "Daphnia" or calculate the respiration of plants. They may even grow corn in the spring or keep fish and a small rodent or two. But once the class hamster grows testy from being awakened every…

The value of the genus Nematodius in teaching is not widely realized. Presented is a brief biological outline of the organism (including geographical distribution and reproductive cycle/behavior) and its use in student investigation of selective predation. (Author/JN)

Presents an experiment on mouse behavior in which students learn to observe, pay attention to details, record field notes, and ask questions about their observations. Uses a white mouse to eliminate the risk of disease that a wild rodent might carry. Lists materials, set up, and procedure. (YDS)

Discusses mechanisms and functional intent of visual communication signals in iguanid/agamid lizards. Demonstrated that lizards communicate with each other by using pushups and head nods and that each species does this in its own way, conveying different types of information. (JN)

Information on bats is provided, focusing on their diversity and distribution, characteristics, food habits, activities, roosting and social habits, reproduction, number of young and size at birth, hibernation, mortality and longevity, and movements and navigation. Additional information related to public health/disease concerns and bat management…

Water striders are insects that walk and run on the surface of water. Discusses the morphology, physiology, and behavior of these insects. Includes diagrams of stages in the movement of a typical strider. (JN)

Describes contruction of an instrument which measures effects of reversible physiological changes on the motor coordination of laboratory animals. The "rotarod" is used to perform carefully planned, humane experiments which produce quantifiable results. A photograph and diagram of the apparatus are provided. (JN)

Suggests using African-clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) for conditioning (behavior) experiments. Other experiments using these easy-to-care-for frogs are outlined. (JN)

Paleoethology seeks to study behavior of ancient animals by building inferential cases of hypothesized behavior patterns. Discusses paleoethological methods and reasons for studying therapsids. Also discusses metabolic rate and possible existence/use of vomeronasal organ to gain insight into the behavior/physiology of these ancient herbivors. (JN)

Discusses the nature of animal communication, including possible relationships between the physical structure of vocalizations and their functions in communicating. Provides tables of mammalian and avian sounds (by species/family) used in hostile and friendly appeasing contexts. (JN)

The carabid beetle (Notiophilus) preys readily on an easily-cultured collembolan in simple experimental conditions. Some features of this predator-prey system are outlined to emphasize its use in biology instruction. Experiments with another potential collembolan are described in the context of developing the method for more advanced studies.…

The great diversity of mating systems found within the insects is described. This description provides an insight into the extraordinary explanatory power of Darwinian selection theory. (JN)

Briefly discusses the view that behavior may be thought of as a phenotypic adaptation that can be quantitatively studied, and then considered in more detail ways in which predatory animals, especially mammals, satisfy their need for food. Topics covered include predatory behavior, hunting modes, prey selection, hunting success, and others. (JN)

Discusses experiments involving classical conditioning of planarians. Suitable for advanced high school students or college-level independent study, flatworms are trained to curl up under a bright light. Then the planarians to are subjected to controlled reproduction experiments to determine whether the learned behavior is inherited by their…