These worksheets are designed to help you better understand the internal anatomy of many different animals.

One of the most controversial tasks, when students enter High School, is animal dissection. Kids have strong opinions either one way or another. The most common animal that is dissected at this level is frogs. Frog anatomy does give us a very good idea of how the human anatomy works as well. Understanding the frog’s anatomy helps us understand how organs and tissue relate in a complex body system.

This group of worksheets looks at the anatomy of frogs, earthworms, grasshoppers, starfish, crayfish, bony fish, and birds.



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Print Animal Anatomy Worksheets

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Male Frog Anatomy Worksheet

Male Frog Anatomy

Provide the labels for the urinary and reproductive structures of a male frog.

Anatomy of an Earthworm Worksheet

The Anatomy of an Earthworm

Fill in the blanks in this description of earthworm feeding and reproduction.

Anatomy of Grasshoppers Worksheet

The Anatomy of Grasshoppers

Label the digestive system and external anatomy structures of the grasshopper.

Digestive and Skeletal Systems of Frogs Worksheet

Digestive and Skeletal Systems of Frogs

Label all the parts of the frog that are pointed out. These systems help them gain energy and support their body.

Circulatory System of Earthworms and Grasshoppers Worksheet

The Circulatory System of Earthworms and Grasshoppers

Which of these organisms has an open and closed circulatory system?

Anatomy of Starfish Worksheet

The Anatomy of Starfish

Provide the labels for the parts of the starfish. Below the figure, give the function or purpose of each structure.

Anatomy of Crayfish Worksheet

The Anatomy of Crayfish

Provide the labels for the parts of the crayfish on the diagrams of the dorsal and ventral views below.

Anatomy of Bony Fish Worksheet

The Anatomy of Bony Fish

Provide the labels for the parts of the bony fish on the diagrams of the external and internal views below.

Anatomy of Birds Worksheet

The Anatomy of Birds

Provide the labels for the parts of the bird on the diagrams of the internal anatomy below.

Gas Exchange In Animals Worksheet

Gas Exchange In Animals

We look at how organisms take in oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from their bodies.

Excretion Mechanisms In Organisms Worksheet

Excretion Mechanisms In Organisms

How do animals get rid of their waste products?

Nervous Systems of Invertebrates Worksheet

Nervous Systems of Invertebrates

How do organisms without a backbone detect and react to stimuli?

Nervous and Circulatory Systems of Frogs Worksheet

Nervous and Circulatory Systems of Frogs

Lets put everything together an deduce the names of all the labelled parts.

Why Do We Dissect Frogs in School?

Perhaps you remember as an adolescent in school that you had the chance to dissect a frog in one of your classes. Maybe you remember the process of dissecting a frog but can't remember what the purpose was for dissecting the frog or why you used one.

We dissect frogs in school as an exploration of the anatomy of animals. Such experiments provide us with a more robust understanding of our bodies' organs and internal functions. Also, frogs are good examples of systems that have adaptations and are relatively complex.

The rest of this article will explain a few topics related to this question, such as what subject matter refers to frog dissection, why we use frogs, and what students learn from this experience. Keep reading.

Dissection Helps Students Understand the Human Body

If you’re dissecting a frog in school, then you’re most likely doing it in middle or high school. Dissection is an activity that typically corresponds to biology classes.

In biology class, students study how human cells and internal organs work—they explore the functions of the body systems and how these systems help humans adapt and survive. Dissection is a great way to explore these topics in greater detail.

Specifically, dissection helps students to see the internal organs in real life. Students can go through the activity of identifying organs such as the heart, lungs, and muscles. By exploring the internal organs hands-on, students will be more likely to retain knowledge about these concepts.

Students may also be asked to complete a dissection project in an anatomy class. They can learn about internal organs and the function of external body parts, such as the skin.

Why Do We Dissect Frogs?

There are several reasons teachers choose to use frogs for dissection instead of other animals.

We dissect frogs because they have complex internal systems—they have hearts, lungs, skin, and organs similar to humans. While it’s not entirely the same, a frog's internal system is similar to a human's, making it an excellent option for dissection.

Using a frog for dissection allows students to study similar organs to those they have learned about in human biology.

Aside from their complex internal systems, frogs also have many fascinating adaptations to study when you dissect them. Students can explore how these creatures’ body adaptations, such as their skin, help them survive in the wild.

Frogs Don’t Live Long and Aren’t Endangered

Another reason why frogs are popular to use in the classroom is that they have relatively short lifespans. Some frogs only live for two to three years, making them relatively plentiful and easy to access for dissection purposes.

Also, frogs are common species in many areas and are not an endangered species. Frogs usually die from natural causes. Furthermore, frogs are small enough that they’re easy to transport to classrooms.

Frog Dissection Encourages Students To Explore Biology Further

Students can learn a variety of things from the experience of dissecting a frog. The main learnings they take away involve the biological systems inside the animal and human bodies. However, this dissection experience may also spark their interest in future learning opportunities with the body.

Students may become further interested in biology, even considering options within the medical field. A hands-on experience such as dissection is sure to ignite a student's passion for continuing to study our body systems.

Conclusion

Whether students dissect frogs for biology or an anatomy class, they’ll learn a lot. This type of hands-on learning experience allows students to explore their curiosity regarding biological systems in bodies.

The physical size and accessibility of frogs and the similarity in frog and human body systems make them an excellent option for a school dissection activity.