Owl Pellet Dissection

EQ: Describe the flow of energy and the cycling of matter within an ecosystem.

Owl Profile Predator Predator Feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles Feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles They swallow their food whole or tears it into large chunks (no manners) They swallow their food whole or tears it into large chunks (no manners) Do not digest hair, bones, teeth, feathers Do not digest hair, bones, teeth, feathers Digestive systems presses all of the “leftovers” into a round pellet which the owl spits out of it’s mouth Digestive systems presses all of the “leftovers” into a round pellet which the owl spits out of it’s mouth

What kind of owls live in Georgia? Eastern Screech Owl Eastern Screech Owl Nocturnal Nocturnal Swoops down from a perch to catch prey Swoops down from a perch to catch prey May store uneaten prey in a tree cavity May store uneaten prey in a tree cavity Don’t migrate – live alone except to breed Don’t migrate – live alone except to breed Don’t glide or hover – fast flier 5bpm Don’t glide or hover – fast flier 5bpm Live in forests and woodlands Live in forests and woodlands

Other owls native to Georgia Great Horned Owl Barn Owl Barred Owl

Work in twos or threes Work in twos or threes Get a pair of latex gloves for each of you Get a pair of latex gloves for each of you Get a lab handout and 2 pieces of white paper Get a lab handout and 2 pieces of white paper Your instructor will give you a pellet Your instructor will give you a pellet Follow instructions carefully Follow instructions carefully Safety precautions: Safety precautions: Be careful with pointed probes Be careful with pointed probes Do not throw pieces from the pellet around Do not throw pieces from the pellet around No eating or drinking No eating or drinking Wash hands when you are finished Wash hands when you are finished

Extension Questions Describe the role of the owl in its environment and its place in the food web. Is it an herbivore or a carnivore? Is it a producer, a primary consumer, or a secondary consumer? Support your response with your lab results. Describe the role of the owl in its environment and its place in the food web. Is it an herbivore or a carnivore? Is it a producer, a primary consumer, or a secondary consumer? Support your response with your lab results. Starting with the sun and ending with an owl, describe the flow of energy. Starting with the sun and ending with an owl, describe the flow of energy. Using an owl and its ecosystem, describe how matter cycles through the system. Using an owl and its ecosystem, describe how matter cycles through the system.