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In this lesson, we will define and discuss the basic external (outside) anatomy of bony fish.
Note to Teachers/Parents: For this lesson and grade band, we recommend reading along with your students/children.
What makes a fish a fish?
What makes a fish a fish?
Before we learn about the different parts of a fish, where they're located, and how they function, let's first define a fish.
Before we learn about the different parts of a fish, where they're located, and how they function, let's first define a fish.
A fish is a cold-blooded animal with a backbone which lives in water, breathes oxygen through gills, and has fins.
A fish is a cold-blooded animal with a backbone which lives in water, breathes oxygen through gills, and has fins.
Wait a minute, what's anatomy?
Wait a minute, what's anatomy?
It's simple, anatomy is the study of the bodily form of living organisms. Fish anatomy is the study of the bodily form of fish, like our friend on the right!
It's simple, anatomy is the study of the bodily form of living organisms. Fish anatomy is the study of the bodily form of fish, like our friend on the right!
Can you name any parts of a fish?
Can you name any parts of a fish?
Take a minute to write down or discuss any parts you may already know. If you can't think of any, that's ok! We will learn all about the external (outside) anatomy of bony fish in the next section.
Take a minute to write down or discuss any parts you may already know. If you can't think of any, that's ok! We will learn all about the external (outside) anatomy of bony fish in the next section.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
Next, let's go over some key vocabulary terms. These terms will help us complete the matching activity below.
Next, let's go over some key vocabulary terms. These terms will help us complete the matching activity below.
Scales: Scales form a protective cover on the fish, similar to skin. Can you think of any fish that don't have scales? (Hint: One local example has whiskers, just like a cat!)
Scales: Scales form a protective cover on the fish, similar to skin. Can you think of any fish that don't have scales? (Hint: One local example has whiskers, just like a cat!)
Mouth: The mouth allows the fish to feed. The mouth's shape offers a clue as to what the fish eats.
Mouth: The mouth allows the fish to feed. The mouth's shape offers a clue as to what the fish eats.
Fin(s): Fins help the fish with movement, balance, and turning. Some fins are sharp and spiny, while others are soft and flexible.
Fin(s): Fins help the fish with movement, balance, and turning. Some fins are sharp and spiny, while others are soft and flexible.
Eyes: Eyes help the fish see underwater. Some fish rely heavily on their sense of sight, while others rely solely on their sense of smell.
Eyes: Eyes help the fish see underwater. Some fish rely heavily on their sense of sight, while others rely solely on their sense of smell.
Tail: The tail helps the fish move forward. Without the tail, most fish would have a very hard time swimming!
Tail: The tail helps the fish move forward. Without the tail, most fish would have a very hard time swimming!
Matching Activity
Matching Activity
For this activity, try matching the key vocabulary terms above with the parts of the fish shown below.
For this activity, try matching the key vocabulary terms above with the parts of the fish shown below.
If you would like to print a paper copy, please click here. Feel free to color the fish however you'd like!
If you would like to print a paper copy, please click here. Feel free to color the fish however you'd like!
Video Break
Video Break
If you're having a little trouble with the matching activity above, take a look at the fun and informative video from Clarendon Learning on the left!
If you're having a little trouble with the matching activity above, take a look at the fun and informative video from Clarendon Learning on the left!
Answer Key
Answer Key
Now that you've completed the matching activity, check the answer key below to see how you did!
Now that you've completed the matching activity, check the answer key below to see how you did!
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