Comparing vertebrate embryos
Characters:
Theme: Evolution
Competencies
Mathematical competence in science, technology and engineering
Digital Competence
Personal, social and learning to learn competence
Subjects and year by Educational System
Spain > Biology and geology > 4th ESO > Genetic and evolution
Enunciation
Pythias of Aso was a Greek biologist and embryologist, wife of Aristotle. It is believed that she collaborated with him in embryological studies and in the elaboration of an encyclopaedia, although the degree of collaboration between her and Aristotle is not known for certain.
In this activity we propose to look at the evolution of the embryos of five vertebrate species and appreciate the change that occurs between them through the different stages of their development.
COMPARE VERTEBRATE EMBRYOS
1.- In the following image the first stages of embryo development of 5 vertebrate species are represented:
Describes similar characteristics between embryos:
2.-Next, we have another image showing the same five embryos, but in later stages. Observe:
Do you notice any differences and do you dare to guess which animal species they belong to?
3.- Finally, we show you in the following image the 5 foetuses belonging to the previous embryos:
Identify the clues to guess which animals they belong to:
4. Finally, tell which species each of the five embryos shown belongs to:
a. __________________________________
b. __________________________________
c. __________________________________
d. __________________________________
e. __________________________________
5. Look up information on biogenetic law and explain it below:
6. Find the meaning of the following concepts:
a) Ontogeny
b) Phylogeny
Observations and context
Pythias of Aso was born in Aso, a Greek city of the Troas in Mysia, a region of Asia Minor near the island of Lesbos. Today it belongs to Turkey. In classical Greece, there were many women who played an important role in different fields of knowledge. In addition to Pythias, we can highlight Aglaonice of Thessaly, an astronomer; Agnodica of Athens, an important gynaecologist; Aspasia of Miletus, philosopher, logographer and teacher of rhetoric; Artemisia II of Caria, a specialist in herbs, and her namesake Artemisia I, also queen of Caria and captain of a fleet, among others. Pythias married Aristotle and probably collaborated with him on embryological studies and the creation of an encyclopaedia.
Description
Comparative activity on the embryos of different groups of vertebrates. The aim is to develop the students' critical spirit, as well as to increase their autonomy.