In taxidermy, the globular fat in the skin of the specimens are usually replaced with
a. Ethyl alcohol
b. Artificial fat
c. Acetone
d. Formalin
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is b. Artificial fat.
Explanation:
In taxidermy, the preservation and preparation of animal skins and specimens require careful treatment of the skin’s natural fats and tissues. The globular fat found in the skin of specimens is often removed because it can cause decomposition, rancidity, or odors over time if left untreated. After removing this natural fat, taxidermists replace it with artificial fat.
Why replace with artificial fat?
Artificial fat serves several important functions in taxidermy:
- Restores Natural Appearance: The skin’s original globular fat gives the animal its natural contour and shape. Without it, the skin would appear shriveled or misshapen. Artificial fat helps to simulate the original volume and suppleness of the skin, maintaining a lifelike look.
- Prevents Decomposition: Natural fats can go rancid and support bacterial growth, which leads to the decay of the specimen. Artificial fats are chemically stable and do not support such degradation, increasing the specimen’s longevity.
- Maintains Flexibility: The artificial fat keeps the skin supple and flexible, preventing cracking or drying out, which is crucial for realistic posing and long-term preservation.
Why not the other options?
- a. Ethyl alcohol: This is commonly used as a disinfectant and preservative for biological specimens but is not used to replace fat in the skin. Ethyl alcohol is a drying agent and would cause the skin to become stiff and brittle rather than supple.
- c. Acetone: This is a solvent often used for cleaning and removing oils and fats but is not used to replace fat. Acetone would remove fats but leave the skin dry and unsuitable for display.
- d. Formalin: This is a solution of formaldehyde used to preserve tissues by cross-linking proteins and preventing bacterial decay. While it is used in specimen preservation, it is a fixative, not a substitute for fat. Formalin tends to harden tissues rather than restore the soft texture that fat provides.
Summary:
In taxidermy, the natural globular fat in the skin is carefully removed to prevent decay and then replaced with artificial fat to preserve the specimen’s natural shape, suppleness, and lifelike appearance. This process ensures the specimen remains durable, flexible, and visually accurate for display or study.