Fig. 211.—Head of Carp.
What is the use of the large openings found at the back of the head on each side? (Fig. [211].) Under the skin at the sides of the head are thin membrane bones formed from the skin; they aid the skin in protection. Just under these membrane bones are the gill covers, of true bone. Which consists of more parts, the membranous layer, or the true bony layer in the gill cover? (Figs. [211] and [212].)
Is the mouth large or small? Are the teeth blunt or pointed? Near the outer edge, or far in the mouth? (Fig. [212].) Does the fish have lips? Are the teeth in one continuous row in either jaw? In the upper jaw there are also teeth on the premaxillary bones. These bones are in front of the maxillary bones, which are without teeth. Teeth are also found in the roof of the mouth, and the tongue bears horny appendages similar to teeth. Are the teeth of the fish better suited for chewing or for grasping? Why are teeth on the tongue useful? Watch a fish eating: does it chew its food? Can a fish taste? Test by placing bits of brown paper and food in a vessel or jar containing a live fish. Is the throat, or gullet, of the fish large or small?
Fig. 212.—Skeleton of Perch.
The skeleton of a fish is simpler than the skeleton of other backboned animals. Study Fig. [212] or a prepared skeleton. At first glance, the skeleton appears to have two vertebral columns. Why? What bones does the fish have that correspond to bones in the human skeleton? Are the projections (processes) from the vertebræ long or short? The ribs are attached to the vertebræ of the trunk, the last rib being above the vent. The tail begins at the vent. Are there more tail vertebræ or trunk vertebræ? Are there any neck (cervical) vertebræ (i.e. in front of those that bear ribs)? The first few ribs (how many?) are attached to the central body of the vertebræ. The remaining ribs are loosely attached to processes on the vertebræ. The ribs of bony fishes are not homologous with the ribs of the higher vertebrates. In most fishes there are bones called intermuscular bones attached to the first ribs (how many in the perch?) which are possibly homologous to true ribs; that is, true ribs in the higher vertebrates may have been developed from such beginnings.
Fig. 213.
