LAB: Comparing
Mammal Hair
THE BIG IDEA
Examine and compare different types of mammal hair.
BACKGROUND
All mammals have some sort of hair, instead of scales or feathers. Fur is a type of hair. Some
hair grows long; some grows short. Hair has different textures. Sometimes the hair, or fur, of
different animals in the same species is different. Look at all these dogs; each of them has a
different length, color, and texture of fur.
PROBLEM QUESTION
Read through the background and procedures, then come up with a question that the Lab
is attempting to answer.
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M AT E R I A L S
• several types of mammal hair (human, dog, cat, goat, etc.)
• slides for each hair type; pre-prepared slides with different animal hair is an option
• compound microscope
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Wear gloves.
• Wash hands after completing the lab.
PROCEDURES
1 – Collect different types of mammal hair. Collect at least two samples from different breeds of
the same species (typically cat or dog). Collect at least two samples from different mammal
species. Remember, humans are mammals, too.
2 – Prepare slides of all the different types of hair.
3 – Examine slides under a microscope.
4 – Draw diagrams and write brief descriptions, comparing each type of hair.
DATA ( E V I D E N C E )
Record your observations and measurements. Create tables, charts, diagrams, etc., to help
organize your findings.
Same Species, different organisms: drawing and observations
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Different species: drawing and observations
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A N A LY Z E D A T A
Identify patterns (similarities, differences, and trends) and any statistical features. Use
graphs as appropriate. Answer any questions.
1) Compare and contrast hair taken from the same species of animal. What is similar? What is
different?________________________________________________________________________
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2) Compare and contrast hair taken from different species of animals. What is similar? What is
different?________________________________________________________________________
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CONCLUSION (REASONING)
In the conclusion, state what you were trying to discover, any errors that might have
affected your data, and any further investigations that can be done. Explain how or why the
data (evidence) does or does not support your findings. Also, state any scientific concepts
learned/practiced in the investigation.
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