METHODOLOGICAL ASPECT OF USING MAMMAL TAXIDERMY SCULPTURES IN TEACHING NATURAL SCIENCE EDUCATIONAL COMPONENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Abstract

In the modern educational space, the teaching of natural sciences must be inextricably linked with the global challenges facing humanity, in particular, with the Sustainable Development Goals regarding the conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The purpose of the article is to analyze the methodological expediency of using taxidermy sculptures of representatives of various orders of the class Mammalia from a museum collection to strengthen the zoological educational components of the specialties H2 Animal Husbandry, H4 Forestry, H5 Aquatic Bioresources and Aquaculture, and E1 Biology and Biochemistry. The study is based on a morphological and applied analysis of exhibits that illustrate key evolutionary and ecological adaptations. The article analyzes the list of taxidermy sculptures of mammals in the collection of the Museum of Nature of Zhytomyr Ivan Franko State University, with an emphasis on the orders Artiodactyla, Rodentia, Eulipotyphla, and Carnivora. Furthermore, the expediency of using specific exhibits to meet the educational needs of the aforementioned specialties is substantiated. It was established that the exhibits of Artiodactyla allow students of H2 Animal Husbandry to study functional morphology, constitution, and exterior for selection and breeding work. Sculptures of aquatic rodents demonstrate hydrodynamic adaptations, while their synanthropic representatives serve as visual material for studying the epidemiological role in veterinary and sanitary safety. Exhibits of carnivores are considered as ecological regulators and specimens of valuable industrial raw materials, which is important for students of the H4 Forestry specialty. The comprehensive use of taxidermy sculptures ensures a high level of visualization of morphological characters necessary for the formation of professional competencies. This is a significant contribution to the methodology of teaching zoological disciplines in higher education.