The Autopsy of Squirrel Doe - Introductory biology laboratory experience description

Oct 15, 2026

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Introductory biology laboratory experiences often use preserved chordates, yet such specimens rarely resemble living organisms and limit realistic learning. This paper describes an instructional approach using the autopsy of a “road kill” squirrel to support biology majors where live chordates are legally restricted. Along with improved basic anatomy test scores, the activity is designed to cultivate teamwork, microbiology assays, and hazardous material protection while maintaining learning objectives.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

The Autopsy of Squirrel Doe Timothy T. Dick, Ph.D. Jason Watson Owensboro Community and Technical College 4800 New Hartford Road Owensboro KY 42303 [Tim.Dick@kctcs.edu](Tim.Dick@kctcs.edu) Abstract: Introductory biology laboratory experiences frequently rely on preserved chordates for anatomical study. Unfortunately, these preserved organisms rarely reflect the appearance of a living creature. Since community colleges are generally prohibited the use of live chordates, this paper describes the autopsy of a “road kill” squirrel to facilitate the learning experience of biology majors. In addition to the improvement in basic anatomy test scores, the students also learned teamwork, microbiology assays, and hazardous material protection. Key words: animal dissection, dissection alternative, road kill Introduction The Owensboro Community and Technical College offers a two-semester course for biology and pre-professional majors. The first semester covers cell biology, metabolism, genetics, embryology, and immunology; whereas, the second semester examines evolution, botany, and zoology. Each course has a three-semester hour lecture component and a twosemester hour laboratory experience. This series has been used for twelve years and has never had more than one section of each. The class average is 15 students. The chordate section of the zoology portion of the laboratory consists of traditional methods such as the use of models and the dissection of preserved chordates. The rationale for the use of preserved chordates centers on the perceived need for future scientists and health care professionals to be familiar with the anatomy and physiology of such organisms. Unfortunately, preserved chordate dissection exercises frequently fail to provide desired education outcomes as preserved animals show little evidence that they were once living organisms. Such preserved animals show no signs of disease, effects of aging, do not bleed, feel like plastic, and smell like disinfectant. For a true experience of chordate anatomy and physiology, students might participate in the necropsy of a laboratory-euthanized chordate such as a rodent, cat, or dog. However, legal restrictions prevent such experiences in introductory laboratories in a community college setting. Community colleges generally do not have the appropriate facilities for the housing and care of chordates and are therefore prohibited such use. This paper introduces the idea that fresh road kills certainly may serve as an effective and desirable pedagogical alternatives to chemically preserved chordates. Methods In an effort to explore alternatives to the traditional use of preserved animals for dissection, science majors in biology lab were provided the opportunity to conduct an autopsy of a wild squirrel found in the college’s parking lot. Based upon the lack of rigidity of the corpse, Squirrel Doe was found within two hours of death. Students should be given a brief presentation on the collecting and use of road-killed animals. This should include information about the collecting procedures from the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) . An individual collecting road kills is required to have a Salvage Permit. The DNR will also indicate which animals cannot be collected. Collected animals should be placed in plastic bagsand upon arrival at the school placed in a refrigerator or freezer depending on the period of time between collecting and use. Students should wear plastic gloves when collecting an dissecting organisms. The organism and its parts should be disposed of in the proper manner after examination. The carcass was immediately placed on ice and rushed to the lab where the OCTC radiography instructor took x-rays. Students were permitted four laboratory meetings to conduct the autopsy of Squirrel Doe. To pique interest and give the students focus, students were asked to find the cause of death. Using a photographic atlas of squirrel a

FAQs

Why are preserved chordates considered inadequate for biology lab learning?

Preserved organisms often fail to reflect living anatomy and physiology, showing little evidence of having been alive. They do not behave like real tissues during observation and may smell and feel unlike living specimens.

What alternative does the paper introduce for introductory laboratories?

The paper introduces the use of fresh road-killed animals, such as a “road kill” squirrel, as a pedagogical alternative to chemically preserved chordates.

What learning and safety activities are students expected to perform?

Students collect and prepare the specimen using required procedures and biohazard precautions, then use radiography reference and anatomical atlases to identify organs and bones. The activity also includes microbiology examination, parasite search, and determination of the cause of death.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Blitz