Okay...but what anine?
Fish are friends, not food!
Learning about religion in school isn't necessarily a bad thing. We studied the major religions, Buddhism, pantheism, and to a lesser degree minor religions as a part of social studies in 7th grade. I think it was the first time anyone actually told me there were 'options' other than Christianity. More importantly, it helped me understand where others are coming from even though I don't share their faith. If it's approached from a purely educational standpoint I think religion does have a place in school - and I'm an atheist. We just shouldn't be presenting any of it as fact or "right" when it's all a matter of opinion, nor teaching them about any one specific religion and excluding others.
Go ahead and miss stuff. It'll be more fun on subsequent plays-through if you're still discovering new things. It's also more enjoyable to come across stuff organically than if you turn it into a chore.
I used to be a completionist; it made games less enjoyable. If a game is good enough to make missing some content a loss there's a strong chance I'll want to replay it in a year or two anyway so I've learned to let some things go the first time around.
Judging by the varying thicknesses it looks like gauging devices, most likely for sounding. Not sure why the tips are curved...but then again, I lack a penis so it's not like I'm an expert on the subject.