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Shape of Life provides free science resources for both students and teachers about the evolution of the animal kingdom. We offer short videos, lesson plans, features and news of animals on planet earth.
Phyla
The animal kingdom is one of six kingdoms of life on earth. Discover the greatest story ever told - the story of the animal kingdom and the eight major phyla that make up 99 percent of animals.
Features
Creature
Ediacaran Cambroernid the Sea Star Ancestor
The Ediacaran Period (635 million years ago) was a precursor to the Cambrian Period 538.8 million years ago and it did have animal life. What these animals looked like is becoming clearer as more fossils from that time period are unearthed.
Ediacaran Cambroernid the Sea Star Ancestor
The Ediacaran Period (635 million years ago) was a precursor to the Cambrian Period 538.8 million years ago and it did have animal life. What these animals looked like is becoming clearer as more fossils from that time period are unearthed.
Lesson Plan
Constructing the Tree of Life
Students explore the evolution of life on earth by constructing a "tree of life" -- metaphorical art that arranges groups of organisms by characteristics and when scientists think they first evolved.
Constructing the Tree of Life
Students explore the evolution of life on earth by constructing a "tree of life" -- metaphorical art that arranges groups of organisms by characteristics and when scientists think they first evolved.
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Did You Know?
Nature Has The Solutions
Slowing the climate crisis? That’s what geoengineering aims to do by modifying the atmosphere to remove carbon dioxide. But is it the best idea?
Nature Has The Solutions
Slowing the climate crisis? That’s what geoengineering aims to do by modifying the atmosphere to remove carbon dioxide. But is it the best idea?
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Teacher
Ray Troll Artist, Scientist, Teacher and Science Communicator
Some of you may already know of Ray Troll. He’s been creating some of the most beloved scientifically accurate art for years. Ray makes science fun and beautiful and we’re lucky to call him a friend of Shape of Life.
Ray Troll Artist, Scientist, Teacher and Science Communicator
Some of you may already know of Ray Troll. He’s been creating some of the most beloved scientifically accurate art for years. Ray makes science fun and beautiful and we’re lucky to call him a friend of Shape of Life.
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Scientist
Damhnait McHugh, Raab Family Chair and Professor of Biology, Colgate University
"When I travel to annelid biology conferences around the world, there is usually someone who asks to take a selfie with me so that they can show their students back home that they met the Worm Woman from the Shape of Life Annelid episode!"
Damhnait McHugh, Raab Family Chair and Professor of Biology, Colgate University
"When I travel to annelid biology conferences around the world, there is usually someone who asks to take a selfie with me so that they can show their students back home that they met the Worm Woman from the Shape of Life Annelid episode!"
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Blog
First Life?
If you look at the bottom of the Tree of Life in our poster you will see the words ‘Life Begins’. A natural question might be: what was the first life form?
First Life?
If you look at the bottom of the Tree of Life in our poster you will see the words ‘Life Begins’. A natural question might be: what was the first life form?
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