Dissection of a Bullfrog

Introduction: My project is the dissection of a bullfrog. In this demo, dissecting the bullfrog you will be able to observe the bullfrog's internal and external structure.

Bullfrog life cycle! :)

1. The bullfrog life cycle starts with mating. When frogs mate, the male frog climbs on the females back and clasps the females body in an embrace called amplexus, which can last several days. This usually occurs in water, though some species mate on land. Some species indulge in complicated courting procedures prior to mating, while others simply mate with whatever is available. The male frog fertilizes the eggs as they get are laid. Frogs lay their eggs in water or wet places, and a floating clump of eggs is called frog spawn. The eggs are large and slippery, which protects them from predators. 6-21 days after being fertilized the eggs will hatch. 7-10 days after the tadpole is hatched, it will begin to swim around and feed on algae. After about 9 weeks, the tadpole looks like a small frog with a really long tail. At 12 weeks, the tadpole has only a small tail stub and looks like a miniature version of the adult frog. The tiny frogs begin to catch and eat prey. Eventually it will find a mate and the cycle begins again.

Materials:

• safety goggles, gloves, and a lab apron

• forceps

• preserved frog

• dissecting pins (6–10)

• dissecting tray and paper towels

• plastic storage bag and twist tie

• scissors

• marking pen

• dissecting needle

Procedure:

• 1. Put on safety goggles, gloves, and a lab apron.

• 1. Place a frog on a dissection tray. To determine the bullfrog’s gender, look at the hand digits, or fingers, on its forelegs. A male frog usually has thick pads on its "thumbs," which is one external difference between the genders. Male frogs are also usually smaller than female frogs.

3. Pin your bullfrog's hands and legs down to make it easier to access the body.

4. Lift and cut through the muscles and breast bone to open up the body cavity

5. Check out the body parts and identify them as you observe the many systems of the frog's body and internal structure. And be careful in handling the opened frog, its internal organs are small and fragile and moving them around hastily might damage them. Don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after the activity to keep any bad bacteria away.

2. SAFETY PRECAUTION: Always be sure wear an apron, goggles, and gloves to be safe at all times!& Always handle sharp objects with care!