Image
Shape of Life provides free teaching resources 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
Blue Glaucus
A spectacular-looking example of an animal in the plankton is Glaucus, a pelagic (open sea) sea slug. Sea slugs are nudibranchs, in the mollusc phylum. The blue glaucus (Glaucus atlanticus) is also called the blue dragon, sea swallow or blue angel.
Blue Glaucus
A spectacular-looking example of an animal in the plankton is Glaucus, a pelagic (open sea) sea slug. Sea slugs are nudibranchs, in the mollusc phylum. The blue glaucus (Glaucus atlanticus) is also called the blue dragon, sea swallow or blue angel.
Lesson Plan
Our Chordate Family Tree
First, use cards showing traits to diagram evolutionary relationships. Then, check out our video to observe the distinguishing traits of Chordates.
Our Chordate Family Tree
First, use cards showing traits to diagram evolutionary relationships. Then, check out our video to observe the distinguishing traits of Chordates.
Image
Scientist
Christian Sardet, Plankton Pioneer and Artist
“I love the diversity, the beauty and adaptations of plankton,” says Christian Sardet. And, he’s on a mission to share this passion with everyone through art, film and photography.
Christian Sardet, Plankton Pioneer and Artist
“I love the diversity, the beauty and adaptations of plankton,” says Christian Sardet. And, he’s on a mission to share this passion with everyone through art, film and photography.
Image
Did you Know?
Zooplankton and Climate Change
What will a warming ocean mean for zooplankton communities?
“From fish to whales, nearly every predator in the sea eats zooplankton, or eats something that does. Understanding how climate impacts zooplankton can help us predict ecosystem changes to build resilient, climate-ready fisheries and communities.” (NOAA)
Zooplankton and Climate Change
What will a warming ocean mean for zooplankton communities? “From fish to whales, nearly every predator in the sea eats zooplankton, or eats something that does. Understanding how climate impacts zooplankton can help us predict ecosystem changes to build resilient, climate-ready fisheries and communities.” (NOAA)
Image
Blog
Get the Drift of Plankton
Plankton are a multitude of living organisms adrift in the currents. The word plankton comes from the Greek word for wandering. Our food, air, fuel, and building materials depend on plankton. There are two types of plankton: phytoplankton (plant) and zooplankton (animal). Both come in a dazzling array of body plans and life-cycles.
Get the Drift of Plankton
Plankton are a multitude of living organisms adrift in the currents. The word plankton comes from the Greek word for wandering. Our food, air, fuel, and building materials depend on plankton. There are two types of plankton: phytoplankton (plant) and zooplankton (animal). Both come in a dazzling array of body plans and life-cycles.
Image
