Biology students investigated the digestive system in mammals at Werribee Open Range Zoo

On 16th May our year 10 & year 11 Biology (unit 1 & 2) students went on an exciting excursion to the Werribee Open Range Zoo. They utilised techniques to collect data to meet the requirements of the learning outcome 2, unit 1 biology.

Herbivore Carnivore field study provides students with the opportunity to analyse the zoo collection of skulls and scats to determine the structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations animals have for obtaining and digesting food and reducing competition for resources in the African savannah.

The objectives of the field research were to provide students with an opportunity to:

• Examine one selected mammalian system - the digestive system with reference to foregut and hindgut fermenters and the adaptations they have to maximize their nutrient uptake, conserve water and avoid predation
• Determine the structural, physiological and behavioural adaptations that enhance survival of species in the African savannah
• Classify species based on their diet and dentition
• Determine the beneficial, harmful and benign relationships between species in the African savannah
• Represent the interdependencies between species in the food webs and determine the impact of changes to keystone species.

It was a great way for Sirius College girls to experience biology beyond the classroom walls. They had the opportunity to hear the roar of a lion, feel the scaly skin of a snake and observe rhino’s behaviour.

Students were guided through activities that involved observation, collection and analysis of data. They discovered the diverse array of living and non-living things that interact within the zoo environment. Students will be putting it all together at school showing interactions between organisms. They enjoyed a 45-minute safari tour of the African savannah. The African savannah is shared by many herbivores competing for food and water. While on their safari tour, they observed each of the animals closely as all the animals were out in the field enjoying a beautiful, sunny day. Students followed the Werribee River Trail to find life-size dinosaurs and a spectacular display of open-range dinosaurs excited and thrilled students.