The Tiger Anatomy Model (Panthera Tigris) is part of an amazing range of STEM anatomy models by Thames And Kosmos.
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Containing 28 parts and an illustrated guide book this Tiger Anatomy Model teaches kids about the internal and external structure of this mammal. And with the aid of the guide book, explains how the organs work and gives insight into this important species’ life!
If you liked this then you may also like our reviews of the Tarantula Anatomy Model, Robo Alive Spider Fossil Dig Set and Pocket Microscope.
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Page Contents
What In The Tiger Anatomy Model Box
The model contains 28 pieces that together show the internal and external parts of a tiger… including the reproductive area that shows two teeny tiger foetuses.
There is also a detailed, illustrated leaflet that provides
- build instructions
- a distribution map
- habitat information
- a size chart
- organ descriptions
How Easy Is it To Put The Tiger Anatomy Model Together?
Its aged 8+ to adult and is pretty straightforward to build, although some sections can be a little frustrating for both adults and kids! There are a couple of reasons for this;
- The assembly instructions are a bit basic and the illustrations are small
- Not all the pieces don’t clip together so sometimes pieces slip out of place as you add more.
Because of this younger children will find parts of it difficult, especially the intestines, ovaries and kidneys (see top tips below).
Top Tips For Building The Tiger Model
Organ Building
The outer part of the tiger model is built first and is straightforward as all the pieces clip together. The main outer body part has the spine, oesophagus, trachea heart and rectum built-in. These individual pieces cannot be removed. Although the outer body does come partly connected you will need to pull it apart to get the tail in place. The skull may fall out when doing this but it’s easy to put back in place.
The next parts to put in are the stomach, intestines, and ovaries. This is one of the really fiddly/frustrating areas and best to do with the tiger anatomy model lying down! The stomach and intestine slot together but the ovaries sit loosely underneath. Don’t worry if the outer model leg or head falls off whilst you do this. And if they do wait until you put the rib cage on before you put them back on!
Once these are in place slide the liver in (again it’s a little fiddly but not as tricky as the ovaries!). The liver will also lift the stomach out a little so it lays against the oesophagus more neatly. Finally place the kidneys and liver in place.
Skeleton Building
Now it’s the skeleton which is much easier!
I would suggest leaving the model lying down but if you do want to stand it up, first put the ribs in place and then add any outer model parts (legs or head) that may have fallen off. The ribs will hold the inside organs in place!
Make up the two sections of leg bones before adding them to the model and once they are in place you can add the clear plastic body parts… don’t forget the small clear tiger ear!!
What Does The Finished Model Look Like?
The tiger anatomy model looks amazing when it’s complete and as long as everything is well clipped in place, the model is pretty strong so shouldn’t fall apart easily. It looks fabulous form all angles so makes a great display piece as well as being functionally educational.
What Can Be Learnt From The Tiger Anatomy Model
The TIGER ANATOMY MODEL is a wonderful, hands-on, way to examine the similarities and differences between the tiger and a human… two mammals with the same internal organs, positioned in a similar yet different way. And using the illustrated guidebook alongside there are lots of discussions that can be had about what the differences are and why they are different. For example tigers have 30 vertebrae whereas humans have only 25!
In the booklet you’ll find information on the individual anatomical parts… did you know that tigers have the second largest brain of all the carnivores? The polar bears brain is the largest.
And additionally there are some tiger Q&A’s plus a map illustrating the historic tiger territory and present tiger territory. It also sadly shows that there were 9 subspecies of Tiger originally but sadly 3 are now extinct.
What Did We Think Of The Tiger Anatomy Model
We really like the Tiger Anatomy Model. It’s fascinating having a model that allows you to see the inside and outside of an animals anatomy. And the guide book, although small, contains enough factual and interesting information about tigers to ignite curious minds. It may well inspire kids to go off and research more information about tigers.
But it’s the building it with kids that is really exciting, as it generates loads of discussion. So it’s a good idea to have a human anatomy diagram to talk about alongside. And although some parts are fiddly, there is immense satisfaction when it all comes together at the end
Thames and Kosmos have lots of other anatomical models available including an amphibian, scorpion, shark, giraffe etc. They all look amazing and would be great to collect and compare!