Why Dissect a Frog?
It is understandable that some students will feel uncomfortable dissecting a frog, either over concern for animals having been killed for their lab work, or simply the “yuk” factor. However, dissecting offers a unique experience well worth overcoming these objections. It is important to keep in mind that nearly all wild frogs have rather short lives and eventually serve as food for other organisms such as birds, fish, snakes, or humans. While we should not take the death of frogs used for dissection lightly, I believe that using frogs’ bodies for educational purposes is as worthwhile as having them serve as food. In addition, the evidence is strong that bullfrogs are now an invasive species in much of North America. This activity provides a good overview of the organ systems of a complex living thing – one with many similarities to our own. This reinforces students’ respect for their own bodies and the choices they make regarding what they eat and drink and what drugs they might introd
