Question:
Is using frogs for dissection necessary?
Replies:
On the moral question, I believe that some dissection is
necessary in the reaching of biology. The history of human understanding of
the body and its diseases illustrates this: the ability to treat disease
became much better after we began looking at the structure of our own bodies
and those of animals. The same hold for teaching: you really need to see the
actual structures to begin to understand how they work. Do we do too much of
it?
I am not sure. But specifically about frogs, I am concerned that too
many are being used. Many species are becoming threatened around the world by
the destruction of their habitats. The main threat in the US is the
development of shopping malls and the like in outlying rural areas, especially
in the Midwest. I think it is better to use species that can be bred in
captivity and that are not endangered, such as rats, for teaching purposes.
moodywj
Up-date 3/9/2005
Frog populations are declining Worldwide. However, frogs provided by supply companies
are grown for the purpose of dissection.
Dissection is a necessary tool to better visualize and comprehend living machines.
This is important for students to experience for it may lead to a career in
vet. or human medicine.
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