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Biodiversity: The Tree of Life Interactive Book

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Biodiversity: The Tree of Life Interactive Book

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Image Credits:

Photos: (A special thanks to the California Academy of Sciences for their generous photo contribution); Introductory page American robin, Asian multicolored ladybird beetle, crocodile skink, Jeffery pine, long-tailed salamander, red lionfish, robust lancetooth, smooth flower coral, Salmonella enteriditis: refer to Organism Pages credits below; Joel Cracraft: courtesy of Joel Cracraft, AMNH Cladogram page DNA: courtesy of Denis Finnin, AMNH, The Genomic Revolution Exhibit animals: AMNH, spectrum of life in Hall of Biodiversity; Bilateria: formosan subterranean termite: courtesy of Scott Bauer, Agricultural Research Service; vertebrates, tetrapods, sauropsids, diapsids: AMNH, Hall of Vertebrate Origins; How to Read a Cladogram page: fruit photos excluding watermelon: AMNH; watermelon: courtesy of Ken Hammond, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Organism pages: True Bacteria: Escherichia coli: courtesy of Michael Elowitz Nodularia: Hans Paerl, author. Licensed for use, ASM MicrobeLibrary; Salmonella enteriditis: courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture; Staphylococcus: courtesy of Louis de Vos, BIODIC; Protoctists: Acetabularia, Amoeba proteus, Navicula, Paramecium, Tetrahymena pyriformis: courtesy of Louis de Vos, BIODIC Macrocystis; pyrifera: courtesy of Gary McCarthy, underwater-photos; Peridinium gatunese: courtesy of Susan Carty; Green plants: American rockbrake: courtesy of Larry Blakely, California Academy of Sciences; boojum tree: courtesy of Jules Strauss, California Academy of Sciences; cassava plant: courtesy of Roger Harris, Jungle Photos; Jeffrey pine: courtesy of Robert Potts, California Academy of Sciences; rosy periwinkle: courtesy of James A. Manhart; yellow starthistle: courtesy of Peggy Greb, Agricultural Research Service; Fungi: giant puffball, hygroscopic earthstar, the sickener, turkey tails, woolly chanterelle: Br. Alfred Brousseau, Saint Mary's College, California Academy of Sciences; jelly bellies, witch's Butter: courtesy of Dr. Robert Thomas and Margaret Orr, California Academy of Sciences; penicillium: courtesy of Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA; Cnidarians: California cup coral: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; eggyolk jellyfish: courtesy of Garry McCarthy, underwater-photos; smooth flower coral, gorgonian coral: AMNH, spectrum of life in Hall of Biodiversity; portuguese man-of-war: courtesy of Dr. Thomas M. Scott, Florida Geological Survey; swimming anemone, tube anemone: courtesy of Garry McCarthy, California Academy of Sciences; symmetrical brain coral: courtesy of Eugene Weber, California Academy of Sciences; Mollusks: cuttlefish, chambered nautilus: AMNH, spectrum of life in Hall of Biodiversity; greater blue-ringed octopus: courtesy of Roy Caldwell; opalescent inshore squid, purple ring top snail, spanish shawl nudibranch: courtesy of Garry McCarthy, underwater photos; robust lancetooth: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; Pacific pearl oyster: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #K15574; Arthropods: Asian multicolored ladybird beetle, formosan subterranean termite, leaf-cutting ant, Mediterranean fruit fly, mustached mud bee, varroa mite: courtesy of Scott Bauer, Agricultural Research Service; owl butterfly, white-tailed spider: AMNH; pseudoscorpion: courtesy of Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences; Mexican redknee tarantula, sally lightfoot crab, ten-spot skimmer dragonfly: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; yellow fever mosquito: courtesy of Agricultural Research Service; Echinoderms: blood star, sand dollar, sea bat: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; slate pencil urchin: courtesy of Eugene Weber, California Academy of Sciences; sunflower seastar: courtesy of Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences; Ray-finned fish: electric eel: courtesy of Alan Hill, fishbase; french angelfish: courtesy of Eugene Weber, California Academy of Sciences; Pacific seahorse, red lionfish: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; radial firefish: courtesy of H. Vannoy Davis, California Academy of Sciences; Amphibia: American toad, blue poison frog, long-tailed salamander, red spotted newt, white's treefrog: courtesy of John White, California Academy of Sciences; goliath frog: AMNH, Hall of Reptiles; hellbender: courtesy of Brad Moon, California Academy of Sciences; Mammals: caracal, giant panda, giraffe, green acouchi, warthog: courtesy of John White, California Academy of Sciences; aye-aye: AMNH, Hall of Biodiversity; human: AMNH; orca: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #1513; Turtles & Tortoises: aladabra tortoise, map turtle: courtesy of John White, California Academy of Sciences; Indian star tortoise, radiated tortoise: AMNH, spectrum of life in Hall of Biodiversity; leatherback sea turtle: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #1927; Lizards & Snakes: corn snake, crocodile skink, Eastern worm snake, Northern redbelly snake: courtesy of John White, California Academy of Sciences; Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #K11268; king cobra: courtesy of Duncan McCrae Herpafauna Kings; alligator lizard: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #K11592; Komodo dragon: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; tusked chameleon: California Academy of Sciences; Birds & Crocodilians: American crocodile: courtesy of Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences; American robin, Morelet's crocodile, Schneider's dwarf caiman: courtesy of John White, California Academy of Sciences; California condor: courtesy of David Clendenen, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; emu: courtesy of Larry Rana, U.S. Department of Agriculture; greater bird of paradise: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #pk18; snowy owl: courtesy of AMNH Department of Library Services, #pk372; whooping crane: courtesy of Gloria Hopkins

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Image Credits: Photos: (A special thanks to the California Academy of Sciences for their generous photo contribution); Introductory page American robin, Asian multicolored ladybird beetle, crocodile skink, Jeffery pine, long-tailed salamander, red lionfish, robust lancetooth, smooth flower coral, Salmonella enteriditis: refer to Organism Pages credits below; Joel Cracraft: courtesy of

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Article: Cells and the Versatile Functions of Their Parts

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Article: Cells and the Versatile Functions of Their Parts

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You may change the level of the Article by changing the grades. Read at the grade level you feel more confortable with!

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Image

Illustration of a plant cell with the organelles and components labeled.

Illustration by SPL/Science Source

This lists the logos of programs or partners of NG Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page. Leveled by

Thursday, May 23, 2019

Life begins with the cell.

A cell is a tiny life form. It is the basic building block of living things. Each cell is made of smaller parts and can perform many different tasks. This is true for tiny bacteria. It is also true for human beings. We are made up of trillions of cells.

Bacteria: One Single Cell

Cells get rid of waste. They help repair tissues. They create the energy that keeps us alive.

Some organisms consist of a single cell. They have just the most basic cell parts: DNA, ribosomes, cytoplasm, and a cell membrane.

Bacteria have just these basic cell parts. They seem small and simple, but bacteria can cause serious human illnesses. Food poisoning and deadly tuberculosis are examples.

Other types of bacteria keep us healthy. Many live in the human gut. They help us digest food.

Gene Transfer

Genes are found in our DNA. They are passed from parents to their children. They are tiny codes that tell our bodies how to grow and work.

Genetic material can have sections that move around. This allows bacteria to exchange bits of DNA. This is called horizontal gene transfer.

In vertical gene transfer, a parent passes on DNA to children. Horizontal gene transfer is different. Genetic material moves from one living thing to another. It does not matter how these organisms are related.

Horizontal gene transfer is more common in single-celled organisms. It helps bacteria against antibiotics. Humans use antibiotics to fight unwanted bacteria. Not all bacteria get killed, though. Some bacteria have genes that let them survive. Thanks to horizontal gene transfer, they can pass these genes to others.

Bacteria are a type of cell called prokaryotic. Prokaryotic cells do not have nuclear membranes. That means their DNA is not protected. That's why it's easy for them to carry out horizontal gene transfer.

Yeast and Fermentation

Other types of cells are called eukaryotic. A eukaryotic cell contains a nucleus. A cell's nucleus is a bit like its control center. A eukaryotic cell also has other organelles, or smaller parts. Organelles are like the cell's organs. They are parts of the cell that are in charge of special tasks.

Yeast is one example of a eukaryotic cell. The organelles in yeast allow it to ferment. Humans use fermentation to make bread, wine, and beer. Certain enzymes within yeast allow it to change sugars into alcohol. Enzymes are proteins. Like all proteins, they are made by ribosomes within a cell.

Amoebas

Other single-celled organisms can combine with one another. They form a multicellular body. One example is the cellular slime mold. This is a type of amoeba. When there aren't many nutrients in the environment, these cells band together. They create a slug-like form. Together, they migrate in search of food.

Many cell parts play a role in amoebas. One example is the mitochondria. These are critical to cell movement. They also help organize the cells.

Plants and Animals: Specialized Cells

Plants and animals are called multicellular organisms. So are humans. They have many cells. The cells are specialized with various jobs. This allows organelles to do incredible feats. Chloroplasts in plant cells allow the plant to grab the sun's energy. Then it can produce food.

When an animal forms inside its mother, the cytoskeleton gets to work. It sorts out the important parts within the cell. It defines which end of the cell is which.

Once an animal has grown, its cells work together to support the body. Take red blood cells in mammals, for example. They have no nucleus. This helps clear out as much space as possible for a protein called hemoglobin. This protein allows the cell to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Humans are also mammals with red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

White blood cells are part of the body's immune system. The immune system is a group of body parts that keep the body healthy. White blood cells use lysosomes to destroy bacteria. This helps to stop infections and diseases.

Neurons and the Brain

Neurons are the cells in the human brain. They allow us to think, solve problems, and remember things.

Neurons communicate with the body. They send and receive chemical signals. The chemicals are called neurotransmitters. For example, the brain might get a feeling of pain. Then, organelles called Golgi bodies release the neurotransmitters.

Neurons have a long arm, called an axon. They send signals out through their axons. Neurons receive signals from other cells through their dendrites. These are fingerlike catchers.

Credits

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Director

Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

Author

National Geographic Society

Production Managers

Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

Program Specialists

Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

Last Updated

May 23, 2019

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Director

Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

Author

National Geographic Society

Production Managers

Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

Program Specialists

Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cells and the Versatile Functions of Their Parts

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Image Illustration of a plant cell with the organelles and components labeled. Illustration by SPL/Science Source This lists the logos of programs or partners of NG Education which have provided or contributed the content on this page. Leveled by Thursday, May 23, 2019 Life begins with the cell.

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All about Cell Functions: A list of more Resources to Explore!

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All about Cell Functions: A list of more Resources to Explore!

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A cell is one of the building blocks of life. Cells are membrane-bound groups of organelles that work together to allow it to function. Some of the major organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. Plant cells also include chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis.

Use these classroom resources to examine how cells function with your students.

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A cell is one of the building blocks of life. Cells are membrane-bound groups of organelles that work together to allow it to function. Some of the major organelles include the nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the Golgi apparatus. Plant cells also include chloroplasts, which are responsible for photosynthesis.

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Level D: What's in a Log? by Tracy Nelson Maurer

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Level D: What's in a Log? by Tracy Nelson Maurer

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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Level N: Backyard Biology Experiments by Alix Wood

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Level N: Backyard Biology Experiments by Alix Wood

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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Cells function differently in unicellular and multicellular organisms, but in every organism, each cell has specialized cell structures, or organelles, of which there are many. These organelles are responsible for a variety of cellular functions, such as obtaining nutrients, producing energy, and making proteins. Unicellular organisms are made up of only one cell that carries out all of the functions needed by the organism, while multicellular organisms use many different cells to function.

Unicellular organisms include bacteria, protists, and yeast. For example, a paramecium is a slipper-shaped, unicellular organism found in pond water. It takes in food from the water and digests it in organelles known as food vacuoles. Nutrients from the food travel through the cytoplasm to the surrounding organelles, helping to keep the cell, and thus the organism, functioning.

Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one cell, with groups of cells differentiating to take on specialized functions. In humans, cells differentiate early in development to become nerve cells, skin cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other types of cells. One can easily observe the differences in these cells under a microscope. Their structure is related to their function, meaning each type of cell takes on a particular form in order to best serve its purpose. Nerve cells have appendages called dendrites and axons that connect with other nerve cells to move muscles, send signals to glands, or register sensory stimuli. Outer skin cells form flattened stacks that protect the body from the environment. Muscle cells are slender fibers that bundle together for muscle contraction.

The cells of multicellular organisms may also look different according to the organelles needed inside of the cell. For example, muscle cells have more mitochondria than most other cells so that they can readily produce energy for movement; cells of the pancreas need to produce many proteins and have more ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticula to meet this demand. Although all cells have organelles in common, the number and types of organelles present reveal how the cell functions.

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Unicellular vs. Multicellular | National Geographic Society

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Cells function differently in unicellular and multicellular organisms, but in every organism, each cell has specialized cell structures, or organelles, of which there are many. These organelles are responsible for a variety of cellular functions, such as obtaining nutrients, producing energy, and making proteins.

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Level L: From Spore to Mushroom by Lisa Owings

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Level L: From Spore to Mushroom by Lisa Owings

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instant access to thousands of great kids books.

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Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

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The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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The evil Mr. X released a dangerous virus and hid the antivirus formula inside the organelles of a cell! Special agent Luca has volunteered to be micronized and enter the cell. Help her search for the formula while Hooke, her partner, provides information about cell structures and their function!

Pre-Discussion Questions:

What is a cell?

What is an organelle?

What are the major parts of the cell?

What is a virus (if you don't know the definition, an example will do)?

What functions does a cell need to perform to survive?

Post Discussion Questions:

According to the game, what are five life functions of cells?

What is the difference between a prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell, and why did she think that this one is probably eukaryotic?

Explain what the following cell structures do: cell membrane, Golgi apparatus, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosome, vacuole, lysosome, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus?

Why does the cell create many mitochondria?

Have a debate - which organelle visited in the game do you think is the most important?

Use the images in the game to sketch the shape of each organelle?

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

other

Last Updated

October 19, 2023

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

Media

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

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Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The evil Mr. X released a dangerous virus and hid the antivirus formula inside the organelles of a cell! Special agent Luca has volunteered to be micronized and enter the cell. Help her search for the formula while Hooke, her partner, provides information about cell structures and their function!

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Level U-Z: Examining Basic Chemical Molecules by  Britannica Educational Publishing

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Level U-Z: Examining Basic Chemical Molecules by  Britannica Educational Publishing

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Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/53170

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Level P: Why Do Fungi Feed on Dead Plants? And Other Odd Fungi Adaptations by Janey Levy

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Level P: Why Do Fungi Feed on Dead Plants? And Other Odd Fungi Adaptations by Janey Levy

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Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/63037

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Levels V-Z: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

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Levels V-Z: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake

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Entangled Life How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds  Shape Our Futures by Merlin Sheldrake (z-lib.org).pdf

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Level U: You Can't Wear These Genes by Shirley Duke

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Level U: You Can't Wear These Genes by Shirley Duke

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Find it on EPIC!: https://www.getepic.com/app/read/52467

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You Can't Wear These Genes (Let's Explore Science)

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You Can't Wear These Genes (Let's Explore Science) [Duke, Shirley Smith] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. You Can't Wear These Genes (Let's Explore Science)

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Level Y: Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA by  Carla Mooney

# data[].attributes.subject
Level Y: Genetics: Breaking the Code of Your DNA by  Carla Mooney

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
instant access to thousands of great kids books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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Level T: Let's Classify Organisms by Kelli Hicks

# data[].attributes.subject
Level T: Let's Classify Organisms by Kelli Hicks

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Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/54023

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Description

Grouping Things By Similar Characteristics Is How You Classify Things. This Title Goes Into Great Detail About The Six Kingdoms Of All Living Organisms. Filled With Information And Interesting Facts, Students Will Love Learning About This Interesting Scientific Topic.

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Description Grouping Things By Similar Characteristics Is How You Classify Things. This Title Goes Into Great Detail About The Six Kingdoms Of All Living Organisms. Filled With Information And Interesting Facts, Students Will Love Learning About This Interesting Scientific Topic.

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Level U: How Ecosystems Work by Julie Lundgren

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Level U: How Ecosystems Work by Julie Lundgren

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Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/54794

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Levels T-Z: The Nitrogen Cycle by  Bobi Martin

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Levels T-Z: The Nitrogen Cycle by  Bobi Martin

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Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/53299

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Level V: Cells: Constructing Living Things by Jodie Mangor

# data[].attributes.subject
Level V: Cells: Constructing Living Things by Jodie Mangor

# data[].attributes.body
Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/52687

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
instant access to thousands of great kids books.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Instantly access 40,000 high-quality books for kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The leading digital library for kids offering unlimited access to 40,000 of the best children's books of all time. Sign up for a free 30 day trial to instantly access high-quality online books for kids, ebooks, audio books, quizzes, videos, and more.

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Level V: Fungi: Mushrooms, Toadstools, Molds, Yeasts, and other Fungi by  Judy Wearing

# data[].attributes.subject
Level V: Fungi: Mushrooms, Toadstools, Molds, Yeasts, and other Fungi by  Judy Wearing

# data[].attributes.body
Find it on EPIC! https://www.getepic.com/app/read/7130

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This is a MUST SEE video. We will be discussing it in class.

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227,755 Views

4,190 Questions Answered

Best of Web

Let's Begin...

What is a fungus? From toadstools to yeast, delve deeper into the diverse kingdom of fungi, and find out just how different (and similar) they are to animals and plants.

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

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227,755 Views 4,190 Questions Answered Best of Web Let's Begin... What is a fungus? From toadstools to yeast, delve deeper into the diverse kingdom of fungi, and find out just how different (and similar) they are to animals and plants. Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

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Plants talking to each other through internet networks made by FUNGI?!

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Plants talking to each other through internet networks made by FUNGI?!

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It's called the "Wood Wide Web," and it might make you look at forests in a whole new light. Gross Science explains.

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How fungi supports the connection of trees in ecosystems:

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How fungi supports the connection of trees in ecosystems:

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Complete the "Think" questions at your right, once you finish watching the video. We will be discussing the questions in class.

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In the soil beneath your feet, a diverse array of microbes is at work around, on and in tree roots. This microscopic world includes intimate partnerships, or symbiosis, between tree fine roots and soil fungi called mycorrhizae. Mycorrhizal fungi partner with the root, creating exchange sites where the tree can trade energy it gets from photosynthesis with resources acquired from the soil by fungi. The mycorrhizal fungi collect these resources with branching mats of thread-like material called mycelium. This extensive mycelium can also connect the roots of different trees forming mycorrhizal networks. These networks are considered ecologically and evolutionarily important because they influence the survival, growth, physiology, health, competitive ability and behaviour of the plants and fungi linked in them. How do we know that? Watch Prof. Suzanne Simard's TEDSummit talk, TEDxSeattle talk, or TED-Youth NewOrleans talk to learn about her groundbreaking scientific discoveries that she has been making in the Canadian Wilderness since the 1990s. Also watch for her upcoming book, Finding the Mother Tree, to be published in 2020 by Penguin Random House. You can further Watch BBC news to know how some plants use mycorrhizal networks to support their offspring while others hijack it to sabotage their rivals. Does it remind you of a sort of intelligence? You may think "how can you be intelligent without a brain?" Well, let's dive underground while watching the award-winning film "Intelligent Trees" or listening to the podcast "From Tree to Shining Tree" of the Radiolab. If you want to know how are humans impacting mycorrhizae, and how can we conserve these important symbioses, learn about The Mother Tree Project and send an email to our website. Do you want to know how conserving mycorrhizal fungi could help Canada's vast boreal and tundra ecosystems to thrive as our climate warms? Check out the work of Dr. Brian Pickles and Dr. Jason Pither. You can also learn from First-Nation's wisdom who have deep connections with forests. Watch Dr. Teresa Ryan's TEDx talk where she tells us about her ancestral legacy of nature's connections or during your trip to Canada, go take a look at Tania Willard's artwork, exhibited in the busiest SkyTrain station of the city of Vancouver. If you want to know more about current researches on roots and mycorrhizal fungi in British Columbia, watch the video of Camille Defrenne and Julia Amerongen Maddison or browse through the Simard's lab website!

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The secret language of trees - Camille Defrenne and Suzanne Simard

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Most of the forest lives in the shadow of the giants that make up the highest canopy. These are the oldest trees, with hundreds of children and grandchildren. They check in with their neighbors, share food, supplies and wisdom gained over their lives, all while rooted in place.

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Remeber to answer the "Think" questions in this section.

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Let's Begin...

On top of our heads, there is a type of yeast that lives and dines on all of our scalps. Feasting constantly, it's in paradise. And in about half of the human population, its activity causes dandruff. So, why do some people have more dandruff than others? And how can it be treated? Thomas L. Dawson explores this head-scratching problem.

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here "

Meet The Creators

Educator Thomas L. Dawson

Director Igor Coric

Narrator Addison Anderson

Storyboard Artist Igor Coric

Animator Igor Coric

Art Director Igor Coric

Compositor Igor Coric

Sound Designer Weston Fonger

Director of Production Gerta Xhelo

Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal

Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott

Editorial Producer Cella Wright

Script Editor Emma Bryce

Fact-Checker Eden Girma

See more creators

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What causes dandruff, and how do you get rid of it? - Thomas L. Dawson

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On top of our heads, there is a type of yeast that lives and dines on all of our scalps. Feasting constantly, it's in paradise. And in about half of the human population, its activity causes dandruff. So, why do some people have more dandruff than others? And how can it be treated?

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Simbiosis of plants with Fungi and other living things - How adaptations work! 

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Simbiosis of plants with Fungi and other living things - How adaptations work! 

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How plant cells support their immunity?

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The amazing ways plants defend themselves - Valentin Hammoudi

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Plants are constantly under attack. They face threats ranging from microscopic fungi to small herbivores like caterpillars, up to large herbivores like elephants. But plants are ready, with a whole series of internal and external defenses that make them a less appealing meal — or even a de…

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Levels T-Z: The Science of Live: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists

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Levels T-Z: The Science of Live: Projects and Principles for Beginning Biologists

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There are experiments for every life kingdom. CHECK IT OUT!

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Check out our amazing biology videos for kids. Learn more about biology while enjoying a range of interesting clips.

DNA Wrapping & Replication

Watch how DNA forms, eventually squeezing six feet of the molecule into the microscopic nucleus of every cell in a process known as DNA wrapping. An amazing animation then shows how DNA replication works, a biochemical assembly line that pulls about a DNA double helix before copying each strand.

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DNA Wrapping & Replication Animation Video - Molecular Biology, Science Videos

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Check out our amazing biology videos for kids. Learn more about biology while enjoying a range of interesting clips. DNA Wrapping & Replication Watch how DNA forms, eventually squeezing six feet of the molecule into the microscopic nucleus of every cell in a process known as DNA wrapping.

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Human Microbiome Quiz | Science for Kids | Microbiology

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Test your knowledge about the bacteria and other microbes that live on and in us in this 10-question quiz!

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PRESS HERE: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/ology-cards/371-human-microbiome

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CLICK HERE: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/ology-cards/144-giant-puffball-mushroom

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How much do you know about life on Earth?

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CLICK HERE: https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology/marine-biology/what-do-you-know-about-life-on-earth

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Bacteria Cell - Tutorial - Science - Sheppard Software

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Bacteria Cell Tutorial - Learn about the different parts of a bacterial cell.

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If you keep up the habit, you will quickly build up a record of your local wildlife and surroundings.

Your findings could even help scientists monitor wildlife changes.

Crafting your own nature journal

You will need:

Assembling your journal:

1. Fold the card in half and cut it to the same size as your paper.

2. Place a stack of paper inside the card.

3. Punch two holes through the card and paper.

4. Cut or break your stick so that it is longer than the distance between the two holes.

5. Thread one end of the rubber band through a hole and loop it over the stick.

6. Repeat with the other end of the stick.

7. Decorate your journal and write your name on it.

Now you are ready to record your plant, animal and other nature observations.

Observing nature

Record what interests you, in your own style. If you would like to contribute your findings to biological record databases to help scientists monitor wildlife changes, include:

These are what will turn your observations into a useful scientific record.

Ways to use your nature journal

There are many ways to record your nature observations. Your journal will be unique to you, reflecting your personal style and interests.

Perhaps you like to include images - whether simple sketches, more detailed colourful drawings or photos that you've taken and printed out. You might prefer to write long, detailed descriptions or include a more diary-like account with records of feelings and emotions.

You can even stick in small collected items that you find or add pressed flowers. Use whatever tools work best for you.

Wildlife observation ideas

What kinds of observations should you make? Again, this depends on your interests, where you are and the time you have available.

You could note down:

The birds you see and hear in your garden

Wildlife you spot from a window in your home

A list of species you find on a favourite walk

Animal behaviour, such as insects mating, fighting and pollinating plants

Changes in trees or plants - when they bud, flower and fruit

You could actively search for and examine animals in your garden by making a pitfall trap to catch insects and other minibeasts or making a light trap to spot night-flying insects.

The importance of amateur biological recording

Even as an amateur, your observations can be valuable to science, says Steph West from the Museum's Angela Marmont Centre for UK Nature .

'The UK's National Biodiversity Network Atlas holds nearly 226 million records, covering over 45.5 thousand species, with most of those records coming from amateur natural historians.

'That wealth of data, supplied primarily by people volunteering their time and effort through watching wildlife, means that we understand our biodiversity far better than we ever could through the efforts of researchers and scientists alone.

'It is vitally important, particularly at a point where we know that our environment is changing rapidly that we continue to collate these records.'

Steph emphasises, 'Any record that includes who [made the record], what [was recorded], when and where is of value, no matter how common the species is. In fact, our common species are very often some of our most under-recorded species, simply because people don't bother to record them.'

Sharing your observations of nature

If you'd like to share your biological records, there are many databases and schemes that you can contribute to. Find out more by reading our Introduction to biological recording.

Recording databases and apps

iRecord is a tool for managing and sharing your UK wildlife records. It is the most regularly used biological recording tool in the UK. Observations are verified then fed to the appropriate National Biodiversity Network. Data can be uploaded via the website or a mobile app.

iNaturalist can be used around the world. Your uploaded images are checked by an AI photo recognition tool to assist with identification, then verification is crowd-sourced from other users. Scientists use the database for their research. Data can be uploaded via the website or a mobile app.

UK Recording Schemes

The Biological Records Centre hosts a number of UK biological recording projects, from amphibians and reptiles to fungi. Find a scheme that appeals to you and start collating your records.

You can also contribute data to numerous citizen science projects, from garden birds to slugs. See the box at the bottom of this article for UK projects, or check out our Nature Recording Hub.

Getting identification help

If you are struggling to identify things that you've seen, there are various ways to get help:

The Museum's Identification and Advisory Service can give advice about wildlife, fossils and other natural history specimens.

The Museum has a range of ID guides and keys that you can use.

The iNaturalist app (Google Play or App Store) or AI photo recognition tool can be very helpful to get an idea of what you are looking at. Just take a photo, make sure your location is correct and tick whether the specimen is wild or cultivated. Accuracy can vary, so use with some caution.

Organisations such as the RSPB and Woodland Trust have guides for their species of interest.

Keep being curious

How can you maintain your nature journal habit? 'First and foremost, be curious,' says Steph.

'All of the most notable natural historians, including Pliny the Elder, Gilbert White, Charles Darwin, Dorothea Bate and David Attenborough have one key thing in common - they were and are endlessly curious about the world around them.

'As you can so often see from David Attenborough's films, that curiosity doesn't have to be about the new, rare or exotic, but can come from the most mundane, common species, if you only take the time to watch, listen and observe.'

If you'd like to grow your interest, there are many groups and societies around the UK, such as the Wildlife Trusts, which run walks, talks and courses where you can meet other people who share your interest and learn from them.

There's plenty you can do online too. Facebook has many pages run by species-interest groups where you can get advice and help with identification, or follow interesting hashtags like #wildflowerhour on Twitter.

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How to make and use a nature journal to record your wildlife observations

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How to make and use a nature journal to record your wildlife observations, with ideas on what you could fill your journal with.

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Steps to write a research using scholarly texts.

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Shaping your topic and starting your research