Lab 8
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Lab 8
Higher Invertebrates: Molluscs
Description of the Lab
An introduction to phylum Mollusca that includes a bivalve and a cephalopod
(squid dissection). This lab takes approximately 2 hours.
Laboratory Materials and Equipment for Student Use
Materials and Equipment
Per
Student
Per Pair of
Students
Per Lab
Group
Per
Room
Compound microscope
1
Glass slides
1
Fresh or frozen materials
Coverslips
2
Dissecting tool set
Aprons
1
Gloves
1
Goggles
1
Prepared slide of Radula
Tissue disposal bucket
1
Outline of Investigation
Exercise 1 – Bivalve Dissection
Materials needed:
• goggles
• gloves
Note: Preserved specimens are available from biological supply houses, but it may be
cost effective to purchase live clams or mussels from a local grocery store, Asian markets
Exercise 2 – Dissection of a Representative Cephalopod
Materials needed:
• goggles
• gloves
• aprons
Note: Preserved specimens are available from biological supply houses, but it may be
cost effective to purchase squid from a local grocery store, asian markets often carry a
large selection of seafood. Look for Market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens, formerly
The odor of dead cephalopod is pungent so it is important to warn students ahead of time
they will be dissecting and to wear appropriate clothing. Make sure all the dissection
materials are thoroughly cleaned. Designate a trash can with a bag for all used gloves
neighbors in a bad mood.
If time permits, public dissections of the Giant and Colossal squid dissections are posted
on the internet and may be of interest to your class (e.g.,
Answers to Questions for Lab 8
1. Do all molluscs have a radula?
2. Do all molluscs have a shell?
3. Are there any molluscs that can damage wood?
4. If your squid specimen was more darkly pigmented on one side compared to the other,
what purpose would this serve?
5. What is the advantage to shell reduction in the cephalopods?