Skull Analysis Virtual Lab Report
Instructions: As you complete each slide of the Skull Analysis Virtual Lab Activity, please fill in this lab report
with the appropriate information and data.
Title: Skull Analysis Virtual Lab Report
Objective(s): Observe and Compare the unknown skull to the known skulls.
Hypothesis: If The unknown skull has the same teeth and forehead structure as the Australopithecus than it is
most likely the Australopithecus because of its similar structure.
Variables:
Independent Variable: The Different types of skulls
Dependent Variable: measurements for each skull
Control: The unknown skull???
Materials:
• Skull casts: 4 known species and 1 unknown
• Calipers
• Device (laptop, computer, phone, tablet, etc.)
Procedures:
1. Line up each of the skulls on the lab table, facing to the left, with the Frankfurt planes parallel to the
ground.
2. Observe each skull from the side, recording your observations about the following features (use the
table below to record your observations):
A. Forehead: Is the angle of the forehead sloping or more vertical? Is the brow ridge above the
eyes small, medium, or large? Does the forehead extend out above the eyes?
B. Face: Is the shape of the face sloped or flattened and vertical?
C. Teeth: Are the teeth long or short? Sharp or dull?
3. Observe each skull from the bottom view and locate the foramen magnum. This is the hole that
connects the brain stem to the spinal cord. Record your observation of the location of each skull’s
foramen magnum. Is it located toward the front or the rear of the skull?
