Introduces the freshwater oligochaete worm, lumbriculus variegatus (common name: blackworms), an organism that is well suited for classroom study because of its closed circulatory system. Describes a set of simple, fast, noninvasive, and inexpensive methods for observing pulsations of the worm's dorsal blood vessels under baseline conditions, and…

Suggests and describes laboratory activities in which the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum Shaw) is used, including experiments in embryology and early development, growth and regeneration, neoteny and metamorphosis, genetics and coloration, anatomy and physiology, and behavior. Discusses care and maintenance of animals. (CS)

Experiments and demonstrations are presented which have been used in a high school course on animal behavior. Animals used include spiders, fish, birds, and mammals. (BB)

Described is a high school biology course that focuses on animal behavior in laboratory and field. A list of the topics covered in the course is provided. (SA)

Presents some classic information on the biology of insects as well as some new research on ants, butterflies, and beetles. Contains 22 references. (WRM)

Basic marine aquaria equipment, techniques for maintenance, specimens and food for the marine organisms are discussed. Several sources of specimens are included. (SA)

Describes a study using two genera of aquatic insects that demonstrates how nonlethal falls in oxygen concentration affect the rate of surfacing of bottom-feeding Coroxidae and how this affects their survival by increasing their proneness to attacks by surface-feeding Notonectidae. (CS)

Presents natural history information on the zebra finch (Taeniopygia castanotis) for the biology teacher. Includes a section on care of the birds in the classroom and a method for constructing an inexpensive cage. (SA)

Provided is a brief description of the biology and taxonomy of British ants. Suggested are a range of exercises which could be used for class or project work in secondary biology classes. Illustrates many ecological, behavioral and physiological points regarding the species of ants found in Great Britain. (Author/CW)

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)

Ideas intended for use in a high school biology laboratory are given. Swordtail fish are described as subjects for observation in animal behavior studies. (SA)

Presents an activity that allows students to observe crawling and swimming behavior in Lumbriculus variegatus, a freshwater oligochaete worm. Contains 12 references. (WRM)

Ideas related to including ethology in high school biology programs are given. The methods of ethology and tips on how to communicate observations are briefly explained. (SA)

Describes an activity in which students use metric measurements to find length and mass, calculate the towing strength of a bess beetle, and compare animal adaptations with human adaptations. (WRM)

A laboratory exercise using a gerbil is described for use in the high school biology class and in accordance with the National Science Teachers Association guidelines. The authors cite references that deal with current awareness of the moral status concerning animals. The exercise includes measurement and calculations. (SA)