In a previous discussion, we explored the history of wolves and coyotes in the United States and how our understanding of these fascinating animals continues to evolve with new scientific research. If you haven’t had a chance to check out that discussion, it’s definitely worth a look!
Today, we’re diving into the intriguing world of wolf and coyote anatomy. You might remember Tom Gnoske from our earlier discussion; he’s an assistant Collections Manager and taxidermist at the Field Museum. A while back, Tom invited me to join him in examining a coyote and a wolf to observe their similarities and differences up close.
It’s important to note that these specimens were obtained legally from a State Wildlife Management Agency, ensuring no harm was done to the animals. Our aim is to prepare them for our research collection, which will help future scientists study wildlife more effectively. During this preparation process, we don’t use gloves, as it allows us to handle the material more precisely.
We also had the pleasure of working with Kaylie Kufner, a collections assistant in the bird division and a talented taxidermist. As we began with the coyote, we could see the layers of tissue and how they interact, providing a deeper understanding of the animal’s anatomy.
In Montana, we had the opportunity to skin a wolf. Although we weren’t sure how we would use the pelt at the time, preserving it was a priority. The process involves making careful cuts to maintain the integrity of the skin, especially around delicate areas like the face, where details such as eyelids and ears are crucial to keep intact.
Tom explained that this method could also be applied to other large predators, like big cats. The anatomy of these animals provides a sort of roadmap for where to make cuts, which is truly fascinating. This exploration of anatomy has helped me realize how much I enjoy understanding these animals as part of natural history.
It’s essential to appreciate the knowledge we gain from these specimens, as they offer valuable insights for future scientists studying wildlife. Thanks for joining us on this journey into the world of wolves and coyotes!
Explore a virtual dissection of a wolf and a coyote. This interactive activity allows you to examine the anatomy of these animals without needing physical specimens. Pay attention to the similarities and differences in their skeletal and muscular structures.
Work in groups to assemble a 3D puzzle of a wolf or coyote. Each piece represents a different part of the animal’s anatomy. As you put the puzzle together, discuss the function of each part and how it contributes to the animal’s survival.
Learn about the art of taxidermy through a hands-on workshop. You’ll use synthetic materials to practice the techniques used in preserving animal specimens. Understand the importance of precision and detail in maintaining the integrity of the specimen.
Create a chart comparing the anatomy of wolves, coyotes, and another large predator like a big cat. Highlight the anatomical features that are unique to each species and those that are similar. Present your findings to the class.
Engage in a role-play activity where you act as wildlife researchers. Use your knowledge of wolf and coyote anatomy to hypothesize how these animals might adapt to different environments. Share your hypotheses and discuss their implications for wildlife conservation.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript, removing any graphic content and maintaining a focus on the educational aspects:
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In our last video, we discussed the history of wolves and coyotes in the United States and how our understanding of them evolves with new science and research. If you haven’t seen that video yet, make sure to check it out!
Today, we’re going to delve into some fascinating material related to the anatomy of these animals. You may remember Tom Gnoske from our previous video; he’s an assistant Collections Manager and taxidermist at the Field Museum. A few months ago, he invited me to assist him in examining both a coyote and a wolf to observe the similarities and differences between the two up close.
These specimens were legally obtained from a State Wildlife Management Agency, so we did not harm them. Our goal is to prepare them for our research collection. During the preparation process, we don’t use gloves, as it allows for better handling of the material.
We also had help from Kaylie Kufner, a collections assistant who works in the bird division and is a skilled taxidermist. As we start with the coyote, you can see the layers of tissue and how they interact.
When we were in Montana, we skinned a wolf, and while we didn’t know exactly how we would use the pelt, we wanted to preserve it. The process involves making careful cuts to maintain the integrity of the skin, especially around delicate areas like the face, where details such as eyelids and ears are important to keep intact.
Tom mentioned that this method could be applied to other large predators, like big cats, as well. The anatomy provides a sort of roadmap for where to make cuts, which is fascinating.
Throughout this process, I’ve realized that exploring anatomy and understanding these animals is a part of natural history that I truly enjoy. It’s important to appreciate the knowledge we gain from these specimens, as they will provide valuable information for future scientists studying wildlife.
Thanks for joining us in this exploration of wolves and coyotes!
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This version focuses on the educational aspects of the discussion while omitting any graphic details.
Anatomy – The study of the structure of living organisms, especially their internal systems and organs. – In biology class, we learned about the anatomy of a frog by dissecting one to see its internal organs.
Wildlife – Animals and plants that live and grow in natural conditions, not controlled by humans. – The national park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and many bird species.
Research – The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions. – Our science project involved research on how pollution affects marine ecosystems.
Specimens – Samples of plants, animals, or minerals collected for scientific study and analysis. – The biology lab has a collection of insect specimens preserved for educational purposes.
Taxidermy – The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals for display. – The museum’s exhibit on taxidermy showcased a variety of animals preserved in lifelike poses.
Predators – Animals that hunt and eat other animals for food. – In the savanna ecosystem, lions are considered top predators because they hunt large herbivores like zebras and antelopes.
Tissue – A group of cells in an organism that have a similar structure and function. – Muscle tissue is responsible for movement in the body and is made up of long, fibrous cells.
Natural – Existing in or derived from nature; not made or caused by humankind. – The natural habitat of the panda is the bamboo forests of China, where they find their primary food source.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, but also in the context of the natural world. – The history of Earth includes the formation of continents and the evolution of life over millions of years.
Montana – A state in the northwestern United States known for its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty. – Montana’s Glacier National Park is famous for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife.
