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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
Blog
THE MAKING OF THE NEW TREE OF LIFE FOR SHAPE OF LIFE
Our beautiful Tree of Life image by Ray Troll has come to life with an incredible animation made by his son, Patrick Troll.
THE MAKING OF THE NEW TREE OF LIFE FOR SHAPE OF LIFE
Our beautiful Tree of Life image by Ray Troll has come to life with an incredible animation made by his son, Patrick Troll.
Creature
Comb Jelly (Ctenophore)
Ctenophores are absolutely beautiful creatures. Known as comb jellies, they use eight longitudinal rows of cilia for locomotion. When the cilia beat, light is scattered, producing a rainbow of colors.
Find Out More Here
Comb Jelly (Ctenophore)
Ctenophores are absolutely beautiful creatures. Known as comb jellies, they use eight longitudinal rows of cilia for locomotion. When the cilia beat, light is scattered, producing a rainbow of colors. Find Out More Here
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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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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
Henry Gee, Senior Editor, Biological Sciences, Nature; writer and narrator of the animated Tree of Life
Henry Gee is a self-confessed, card-carrying “Paleo-nerd”. Like the Tree of Life, once he starts creating, you just can’t keep Henry down.
Henry Gee, Senior Editor, Biological Sciences, Nature; writer and narrator of the animated Tree of Life
Henry Gee is a self-confessed, card-carrying “Paleo-nerd”. Like the Tree of Life, once he starts creating, you just can’t keep Henry down.
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Did you Know?
Animating the Tree of Life
Another Tree of Life Lesson Plan!
Students will explore an animated "Tree of Life." They will record observations and questions about it and discuss them as a class. Create your own cartoon!
Animating the Tree of Life
Another Tree of Life Lesson Plan! Students will explore an animated "Tree of Life." They will record observations and questions about it and discuss them as a class. Create your own cartoon!
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