If you walked into a party full of animals, only one in 40 party animals would have a backbone. And that one would probably be a fish. Furry and feathered animals are great, but they make up 15,000 species out of almost 10 million (that’s less than 1% for any of you without a calculator … More Animal Diversity Personality Quiz
I love microscopes. The obsession started when I was a junior in college. I landed this awesome job identifying rotifers and other tiny organisms in many water samples (the project compared these animal assemblages in the river upstream and downstream of a nuclear power plant). It’s awe-inspiring to think that this whole world exists, with … More I LOVE MICROSCOPES
Each year, as my Biological Illustration class wraps up, we hold an End-of-Semester Exhibit. The students frame their favorite illustration, write artist statements, and display their work on easels throughout the biology building. I enjoy seeing the students’ well-deserved pride in their work. THIS is the result of intrinsic motivation, something I wish I could … More Virtual Exhibit
Insect populations are declining… a lot. Recently published research from around the world indicates massive loss of these extremely important animals. Insect coverage in Introductory Biology textbooks has also declined (75% over the past century). Read the article in American Entomologist. Or check out the recent media coverage: Popular Science MagazineLab Out Loud (NSTA podcast)Science … More Decline of Insects (in Nature AND in Textbooks)
J.M. Landin 