Branches on the tree of life: the biology of protists
The term "protist" covers a wide range of microscopic organisms formerly clumped into "Kingdom Protista." New molecular analyses show that the protistan lines of evolution go so far back in time they can be considered as different kingdoms of life....
Eye of the cyclops: adventures in scientific exploration : backyard
Climb aboard the Cyclops, a microscopic research vessel, and investigate an amazing hidden world on which all living things depend. This series -- Eye of the Cyclops -- makes an excellent introduction to biological classification, diversity and ecol...
Eye of the cyclops: backyard biodiversity
The microexplorers discover that gardens support a community that includes herbivorous and predatory insects, pollinating insects, and a giant earthworm. They get a look at the animal's internal physiology.
Eye of the cyclops: food chains begin with photosynthesis
In this episode, a single algae cell is rescued, and its green secrets are revealed through experiments performed on board the Cyclops. The micro-explorers discover how algae start the food chains that ultimately sustain the fish, birds, amphibians,...
Eye of the cyclops: decomposers everywhere
Settling their craft into the bottom, the micro-explorers discover that the bottom ooze is populated by bacteria, the microbes that break down and recycle organic materials - an unforgettable visual introduction to the concept of organic decompositi...
Eye of the cyclops: protozoans and algae : food for all
Cruising through the weedy shallows, the crew is amazed at the diversity of protozoans swimming by the observation ports. Through careful observation they discover how these amazing single cells feed, reproduce, and escape.
Eye of the cyclops: white water adventure
Trying to return to their pond base, the microexplorers are channeled into the pond outlet, where they tumble into a rapidly flowing stream and discover a world of aquatic insects adapted for life in flowing water, even waterfalls.
Branches on the tree of life: the biology of echinoderms
Echinoderms are one branch of the deuterostome line of animal evolution, the branch to which Chordates also belong. Modules cover phylum characteristics and key biological details for five classes: sea stars; brittle stars and basket stars; sea urc...
Branches on the tree of life: the biology of fungi
Branches on the Tree of Life: Fungi explores the structure, life cycles, ecology, classification, and evolutionary relationships of four major lines of fungi: Chytrids, Zygomycetes (various molds), Ascomycetes (yeasts, cup fungi, and most lichens), ...
Branches on the tree of life: the biology of sponges
Imagine an animal with no mouth, no digestive system, no excretory or circulatory organs, no brain nor nervous system, and no movement as an adult. In spite of their simple nature, sponges are actually one of the most fascinating animal phyla, when...