Categories
Amazing Wildlife

Types of Mammals: the difference between monotremes, marsupials, and placentals

Life’s beginning varies a lot among mammals. We can group mammals into three main categories based on how their babies come into the world. The main types of mammals are called monotremes, marsupials, and placentals. Monotremes Most mammals give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs. However, there are a couple of exceptions: platypuses […]

Categories
Amazing Wildlife Ecology

What is a keystone species? Definition and four examples!

A keystone species is an organism that plays an exceptionally large role in its ecosystem. It provides materials or services that enrich the lives of other organisms in the ecosystem. Without the keystone species, the ecosystem would look very different and other organisms that rely on the keystone species would suffer. Now, let’s look at […]

Categories
Activity ideas Amazing Wildlife

10 Waterbird and waterfowl activities for kids to try in your classroom!

Waterfowl and other waterbirds are some of the best wildlife to go view with kids in wetlands and other natural areas, regardless of your location. If you are planning a waterfowl field trip – or a whole waterfowl and waterbird unit – this waterbird & waterfowl activities list is the place to start! In case […]

Categories
Amazing Wildlife

Bugs vs Insects vs Arthropods: what’s the difference?

Many people misuse β€œbug” when talking about any insect. However, only certain insects are considered true bugs. In this post, you will learn the difference between a bug, and insect, and an arthropod and why they are not quite the same thing.

Categories
Ecology

Intro to Taxonomy: how living beings are sorted and classified

Taxonomy is the science of organizing and classifying living beings into groups. It is important in the fields of wildlife biology, botany, mycology, zoology, microbiology, ecology and more! Introducing your students to taxonomy is a great way to start exploring the biodiversity of life on earth!

Categories
Amazing Wildlife Botany Ecology

Desert Adaptations: 8 strategies plants and animals use to survive in the desert!

Life is possible with very little water! Desert plants and animals have some amazing adaptations to survive in dry conditions.

Categories
Amazing Wildlife Ecology

Nocturnal, Diurnal, and Crepuscular Animals: differences explained, plus examples!

The change from daytime to nighttime in the desert creates a world of difference for animals. Wildlife biologists sort animals into three categories based on the time of day when they are most active: nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular.

Categories
Amazing Wildlife Ecology

What are aquatic macroinvertebrates? Their role in food webs and use as bioindicators!

These tiny critters may seem unremarkable, or even β€œicky”. However, aquatic macroinvertebrates play important roles in aquatic ecosystems.

Categories
Botany Ecology

How does pollination work? A step-by-step guide to pollination and the plant life cycle

You might already know that pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen to the carpel of a flowering plant. In this post, we will take a closer look at the steps of animal pollination and the plant life cycle. The relationship between a pollinator and a plant is key to the survival of both species.

Categories
Amazing Wildlife Ecology

Which animals pollinate? Common pollinators plus a few that will surprise you!

Pollinators are animals that transfer pollen between flowers. Many pollinators are insects, such as bees. However, birds, mammals, and a variety of other animals can also be pollinators! Pollinators are key members of most terrestrial (on-land) ecosystems. Pollinated plants produce food that feeds other members of the ecosystem. Pollinators also help humans because they pollinate […]