Biology: The Dynamics of Life


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Internet Biolab
Click the Techie Toolbox for tips and help to make the most of your time on the Web.
Unit 8: Invertebrates
Chapter 25: What Is an Animal?  
Zebra Fish Development
The zebra fish (Danio rerio) is a common freshwater fish sold in pet shops. They are ideal animals for study because they undergo developmental changes quickly and major stages can be observed within hours after fertilization.
Preparation
Problem
What do the developmental stages of the zebra fish look like?

Objectives
In this BioLab, you will:

  • Observe stages of zebra fish development.
  • Record all observations in a data table.
  • Use the Internet to collect and compare data from other students.
Materials
  • Aquarium
  • Zebra fish
  • Turkey baster
  • Beaker
  • Dropper
  • Petri dish
  • Binocular microscope
  • Wax pencil or labels
Data Sources

Safety Precautions
Always wear safety goggles in the lab. Use caution when working with a binocular microscope and glassware.

Procedure
1. Print the data table.

2. Using the turkey baster, draw up water containing zebra fish embryos from the bottom of the aquarium.

3. Release the water into a beaker and allow the embryos to settle to the bottom.

4. Label a petri dish with your name and class period. Fill the bottom of the dish with aquarium water. Using a dropper, place several embryos in your dish.

5. Your teacher will advise you as to the approximate time that fertilization took place. All ages should be reported in your data table as hpf (hours past fertilization).

6. Using a binocular microscope, observe the embryos. Make a diagram in your data table of the embryos' appearances and indicate the age of the embryos in hpf.

7. Post your data in the table below.

8. Continue to observe your embryos daily for a minimum of one week. Note the appearance of new organs and when movement is first seen. If you wish to continue watching developmental changes, consult with your teacher for directions. CAUTION: Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after completing observations.
 
Post Your Data

Date hpf Observations

*City


*State


*School


*Required
field

Analyze and Conclude
1. Communicating
Explain why zebra fish are ideal animals for studying embryonic development.

2. Thinking Critically
Explain why you may not have been able to see stages such as a blastula or gastrula.

3. Thinking Critically
Suggest how you could change the experiment's design to allow for observing these stages.

 

4. Using the Internet
Go to Data Sources under Preparation for links to Internet sites that will help you complete sequences of the major changes during development of zebra fish.
a. between 1 and 10 hpf. Include labeled diagrams of these changes.
b. between 10 and 28 hpf. Include labeled diagrams.
c. between 28 and 72 hpf. Include labeled diagrams.

 
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