Owl Pellet Dissection

Owls are typically top-level consumers in their food web. They eat a variety of organisms including rodents, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Owls usually swallow their prey whole. The indigestible parts of the prey (fur, bones, feathers, claws, teeth) form a pellet in the owl's gizzard. The pellet is then regurgitated, containing the remains of what was eaten. In this virtual investigation you will dissect barn owl pellets. You will sort the bones found in the pellets and identify which type of prey the owl has eaten.