Early Middle School students in Ms. Brenda Beasley’s 2nd period 7th grade science class recently dissected owl pellets and classified different bones to help support their study of the human body skeletal system.

The students learned that owl pellets are masses of bone, teeth, hair, feathers and exoskeletons of various animals preyed upon by owls.  Their study taught them that owls are carnivores, and due to their digestive systems inability to digest fur, bones, and feathers, the owls’ stomach muscles form wet slimy pellets which are regurgitated by the animals.

The class also learned that each owl pellet is an actual ecosystem which provides food and shelter for organisms that may include clothes moths, carpet beetles and fungi.

Bottom row left to right: Kinzie O’Connor, Emily Beane, Elizabeth Trowbridge, Lora S.  Knox, Courtney Jowers, Alex Harris, Mollee Jo Studdard, Payton Hackney, Emily Cavazos, Kailey Snow. Middle Row left to right: Destiny Peek, Arin Marsh, Inayat Kang, Alex Benson, Shelby Gifford, Jaymie Pullen. Top Row Left to Right: Taytum Sutton, Darshan Bhakta, Haven Aaron, and Kye Underwood.

Photo contributed.