A Dissection That's Off The Hook!
Perch Dissection Pre-AP Biology April 9, 2014
Objective of the day
Student learned about the external and the internal location of the organs of a perch. They focused on the structures and functions of the organs. They also learned about the ecological role of the perch.
In case you didn't know...
Perca flavescens is the scientific name for Perch. They are carnivores and can be found in ponds, lakes, streams, or rivers. They try avoiding cold del water and warm surface waters during the summer. At ages two to four female perch mature and males usually mature one year earlier. When the female perch lays her eggs they swell and harden.After hatching, they first appear nearshore and then move offshore and remain there until they can develop fins.
Something's fishy....
Getting ready for the dissection
External Anatomy
Spiny dorsal din, operculum, pectoral fins, soft dorsal fin, pelvic fins, lateral line, and caudal fin
Circulatory System of Perch
Brain, Spinal cord, Fin, Air sac, Lateral Line, Anus, Sex Organ, Stomach, Intestine, Two-chambered heart, Gills, and Operculum.
Taking a closer look at the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
The circulatory system of a perch is a low pressure type of system that consists of a two-chambered heart. A two-chambered heart is an organ that permits blood and lymph circulation to transport nutrients and other things from a part of the body to another part. Perch hearts draw in blood in a single body cavity and then it is pumped through a ventricle. This is called a single circulation meaning that blood enters the heart and then though the gills and out of the body.
Taxonomy Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylym: Chrodata
Subclass: Neopterygii
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Percidae
Genus: Perca
Adaptations
Perch have many adaptations but some are... eyes, scales, fins, gills, mucous etc. They use their eyes to spot predators or prey. Scales on the perch are used for protection. Fins and gills are the most important since they help perch and all types of fish swim and breathe under the water. Mucous helps them escape from predators.
Who eats who?
Perch are carnivorous fish that eat insects from the water, frogs, fish eggs, worms, snails, and baby fish. Altough perch are carnivorous fish they do get eaten by certain animals like a large mouth bass.
2012 Jumbo Perch Ice Fishing - Lake Simcoe