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Squid!
Name _________________________________________________ Date ____/____/ ___ Period ____
Background: Squid size varies between 2.5 cm and 20 m. Squid are the largest invertebrates in the world. The squid
mouth is hidden and includes a beak like a parrot and a rough tongue. Squid eat mainly fish and crustaceans. Squid expel
water and waste to propel them. Chromatophores on a squid’s skin can change color.
Problem: What organs and organ systems can be observed in a squid?
Hypothesis: Answer the problem in a complete sentence.
External Observations:
1. Follow your teacher’s instructions to lay your squid dorsal side up with the head (tentacle end) at the top.
2. Write five observations of the squid exterior.
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o
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3. Use inferences to identify the following external parts of your squid: Fin, Chromatophores, Eye, Arm, Tentacle,
Mantle, Pen, and Suction cups.
http://www.usc.edu/org/cosee-west/Jun23-272008/Sperber_Squid%20Dissection.pdf
Modified from: http://www.usc.edu/org/cosee-west/Jun23-272008/Sperber_Squid%20Dissection.pdf
Dissection Instructions:
1. Lift up the mantle (main part of a squid’s body) and use scissors to cut a straight line toward the eyes.
2. Turn your squid and continue cutting the other direction so you open up the center of the squid body.
a. NOTE: Make a very shallow cut so you DO NOT CUT ORGANS!
b. Write three observations of the internal anatomy you just opened up.
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o
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c. Use inferences to identify the following internal parts of your squid: Gonad, Heart, Brain, Beak, Gills,
Ink sac, and Siphon.
http://www.usc.edu/org/cosee-west/Jun23-272008/Sperber_Squid%20Dissection.pdf
Challenge: Find the ink sac and use your pencil to write your name in the box with it!
Analysis:
1. How is a squid similar to a plant, an earthworm, a starfish, and a human?
2. How is a squid different from a plant, an earthworm, a starfish, and a human?
3. How might chromatophores help a squid survive?
Conclusion: Write a complete sentence explaining how your observations support or do not support your hypothesis.
Modified from: http://www.usc.edu/org/cosee-west/Jun23-272008/Sperber_Squid%20Dissection.pdf