Activity 2C: Organisms in Research - Card Sort Activity
Card Sort 1: Invertebrates and Vertebrates
Organisms can be divided into categories based on common
structures or features. These categories can be very general
or very specific. Classifying organisms as either vertebrate or
invertebrate is a very general category.
✔ Invertebrate: an organism that does not have
a backbone.
✔ Vertebrate: an organism with a backbone.
The use of vertebrates as animal models for research is very
controlled or regulated. The Animal Welfare Act ensures
research facilities follow very strict guidelines for the care and
treatment of the animals (vertebrates) involved in studies.
The most common organisms used in research are invertebrates.
Invertebrates reproduce quickly, are very small, relatively
easy to take care of, and fairly inexpensive to maintain.
Unlike vertebrates, there are no special laws about using
invertebrates in research. This makes it difficult to know how
many invertebrates are actually studied as part of scientific
research. Because there are limited regulations about the use
of invertebrates in research, the exact number can only be
approximated. It is estimated that 90 – 99% of medical research
uses invertebrates as the animal model. This means that less
than 10% of animal models are vertebrates.
activity 2C
Organisms in
Research (Card Sort)
Medical and scientific research requires lots of planning. Before
research can start, a panel of experts must review the plan,
determine how safe the research is, and decide if the research
is even necessary. Some research projects include the use of
organisms. It is important to understand the use of organisms in
research is always carefully considered. What type of organism is
best suited for the research? How will the organism be cared for during
the research? How will the overall results of the research benefit humans
or animals? Does the research really need to include organisms as part of
the study design?
RAPAMYCIN
Background Information:
Card Sort 1 Directions: Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates
Using the invertebrate and invertebrate example cards
as a guide, separate the organism cards into vertebrates
and invertebrates. Record your answers in Table 2C:
Vertebrate vs. Invertebrate and answer the questions.
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Card Sort 2: Animal Models
Advances in medicine have contributed to people living
longer, healthier lives. Organisms have had an important
role in medical care. The organisms involved with
medical research are known as animal models. Animal
models have led to better treatments and even cures for
diseases in both humans and animals. Both invertebrates and
vertebrates are used as animal models in medical research.
The article Medical Research with Animals, published
by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), presents
information about vertebrate animal models. Read
the article before continuing with the activity. Be
prepared to discuss the article with the class.
Card Sort 2 Directions:
activity 2C
Organisms in
Research (Card Sort)
RAPAMYCIN
Understanding Animal Models
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A.In this activity, the organism cards will be
sorted differently. Using the Frequency
Continuum Line, arrange the organism cards
in order of “Used the Most” to “Used the
Least” in medical research. Once the cards
are arranged, record your answers in Table 2C:
Section A.
Frequency Continuum Line
Used the
Most
Middle
B. Now look at the pie chart titled Mammals
in Research. Rearrange the organism cards
on the frequency continuum to reflect the
data on the pie chart. Record the new
arrangement of organism cards in Table 2C:
Section B and answer the questions.
Used the
Least
PROCESSING OUT
Card Sort Part 1
Record your answers for Card Sort 1 here:
activity 2C
Which group, invertebrate or vertebrate, would you predict has
the most stringent (complex) rules to protect them? Explain why.
PROCESSING OUT
INVERTEBRATE
RAPAMYCIN
VERTEBRATE
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Card Sort - Part 1
1. What is the difference between a vertebrate
and invertebrate?
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activity 2C
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2. Give two examples of a vertebrate
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3. Give two examples of an invertebrate
4. Look at the Table 2C. Based on what you have
learned, which group, vertebrate or invertebrate,
contributes the most animals to research?
Card Sort 2: Animal Models
Table 2C: Section A
1.
Used the Most
2.
3.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
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6.
activity 2C
5.
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4.
14.
Used the Least
15.
16.
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Table 2C: Section B
1.
Used the Most
2.
3.
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5.
activity 2C
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4.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Used the Least
10.
11.
Discussion
5. After completing Table 2C: Section B, notice there are organism
cards left over. What do these organisms have in common?
(HINT: what type of organisms are they?)
6. Why do you think these organisms are not included as part of
the pie chart?
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Card Sort - Part 1
7. According to what you have learned and the
revised continuum, which organism is used in
research the most?
11.What was the first organism to be sent into space
in 1947?
activity 2C
10.Which animal contributed to the study of Hepatitis B
and the study of AIDS?
Organisms in
Research (Card Sort)
9. Which animal contributed to vaccine for leprosy?
RAPAMYCIN
8. According to the revised continuum, which organism
is used in research the least?
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