Splash into Science

Species Classification Practical Activity

In our activity, using 8 different images of dolphin skulls, you will investigate differences between Tursiops species dolphin skulls to identify which species the skull belongs to

Common bottlenose dolphin OR Burrunan dolphin

Our materials for this activity are:

  • Dolphin skull data sheet

  • 8x skull images (top and bottom)

  • Measuring paper

You will collect data on 3 different data points

  • Total length of the skull

  • Pterygoids to palatine angle

  • Pterygoid and APAP ratio

Download Data Sheet

Instructions for measuring total length

  • Using a strip of paper, measure the TOTAL LENGTH of the skull from end to end, and mark the length.

  • Once you have measured the length of the skull, use the scale bar to estimate the total length of the skull, and record your results in your data sheet.

  • REMEMBER! The scale bar for each image is different, so make sure to use the scale bar for the skull you measured.

  • A handy tip is to zoom in on the images, to better measure each skull.

Instructions for measuring palate

To measure the Pterygoids to Palatine ANGLE, use two strips of paper to connect the 3 RED DOTS to make a:

  • Wide angle (~45 degrees), or

  • Narrow angle (~15 degrees).

To measure the Pterygoid and APAP palate RATIO, use two strips of paper to measure the distance between the 3 BLUE DOTS

  • Same length 1:1

  • Different lengths 2:1

Species Classification Practical Activity Assessment Questions


Using your knowledge of species classification and the dataset you created measuring dolphin skulls, please complete the following questions.