Welcome to Ask A Biologist. This site has a large collection of biology learning materials that includes stories, games, activities, videos, and a podcast.

Elizabeth Pringle grew up in a family of biologists, but didn't think she would end up as a biologist until she fell in love with research.

The past can be hard to remember, so how can we go about studying it? Indiana Jane takes us on a tour of humans from the past, ancient microbes, and the bioarchaeologists that study them both.Also in: Español

For more than twenty years, making bee movies has been a part of the research work of professor Brian Smith.

When you think of the Arctic, you might picture mostly empty ice. But the Arctic ecosystem is home to many organisms, from microscopic bacteria to large animals like whales and polar bears. Much of this life in the Arctic depends on tiny organisms called plankton which make up the base of the…

In this program we talk a lot about cells. In particular plant, animal, and microbial cells. But did you know there is a world of microbes that make their home inside and on our bodies? Before you start to worry, you need to know most of these microbes are important for us to live. In fact, without…
Dr. Biology learns how birds might have developed their ability to fly from ornithologist Ken Dial. The two talk about the evolution of bird flight and some of the other cool things birds can do - like are penguins really flying birds?

Giant beetles, flying treadmills, oxygen and prehistoric insects are just a few of the things that Dr. Biology learns about when visiting with biologist Jon Harrison.

If you are a tobacco plant, you have a bad reputation. The link to cancer and other health related diseases is cause for any person to avoid you. But there is another side to this plant. Dr. Biology sits down with biologist Charlie Arntzen to talk about how tobacco plants are…

A table with three cups surrounded by plants and flies.

Fly Trapping Trials

Ever notice tiny flies buzzing around your houseplants? In this experiment, you’ll test different liquid traps to see which one catches the most fungus gnats. Will vinegar, lemon juice, or something…
How can we fight mosquitoes? Image is an illustration of a mosquito laying eggs, with insecticide being sprayed

Managing Mosquitoes

Learn about mosquito life cycles, the dangers of mosquitoes, and how to protect yourself and reduce breeding grounds for mosquitoes around your home. Also in:
an example of a desert biome

Desert Biome

Read Delving into Deserts and then take this quiz to test your knowledge!

Four mini-illustrations of a water bottle, the sun, a child, and sun protective wear (hat, glasses, and light t-shirt)

Beat the Heat

Play Beat the Heat

Staying safe in the heat is more than just a game, it can be a life saver. Luckily, you can see if you have what it takes to…

EcoChains logo, a polar bear over an iceberg with text below that says EcoChains.

EcoChains: Arctic Futures

Play EcoChains: Arctic Futures

EcoChains: Arctic Futures is a game that introduces you to arctic life and ice that is so very important for survival.…

Nano building game

Nano Building

Play the Bionanoengineering Game

Basic building patterns can be used to think about how technologies are built at the nano-scale. Try your hand…

Rainforest virtual biome tour

Virtual Reality Tours of Biology

Explore our Virtual Tours

See the world of biology through virtual tours. Visit different environments, travel through…