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

You may know that plants need air, water, and sunlight to survive. But they also need a special molecule called phosphate. Learn more about phosphate, plants, and why genetic modification may be able to fix some of our plant problems.Also in: Español

Did you ever wonder what causes river rocks to be slippery? Can you believe it's the same thing that causes plaque on your teeth? Learn about this "biofilm," and how Valerie Stout is fighting it (in some cases) to improve medicine.

We hear a lot about DNA, but not as much about RNA. It is true that DNA is the encyclopedia of life or the ultimate instruction manual for living things. But what good is a book if it is not read or an instruction manual that is not used? This is where RNA comes into the story of life. It is the…

Even with 'tiger' in their names, life is hard for these fast and often colorful insects. Also in: Deutsch | Español | Français…

The evening news, your local paper, online websites, blogs, twitter, Facebook, and yes podcasts all are communicating the latest science news. In this mix of messages are often conflicting stories about what is good and bad for you. It also seems that every other day there is a cure for cancer or…

This animal lives in almost every part of the world and kills hundreds of thousands of people each year. What might surprise you is that you certainly have had a close encounter with the world’s most dangerous creature. Dr. Biology catches up with evolutionary biologist …

From the fear of failure to the pressure of feeling like you don’t belong — what really gets in the way of success, and what can help students push through it?

In this episode, Dr. Biology talks with Katelyn Cooper from Arizona State University School of Life…

An interview with palynologist Vaughn Bryant from Texas A&M. Listen in as Dr. Biology learns how pollen is providing clues for more than scientists. These tiny bits of information turn out to be something more than sneeze triggers.
small bugs on sticks

True bugs

Read True Bugs and then take this quiz to test your knowledge!

Zoomed in picture of grassbug

Ugly Bug Contest 2011

Ugly Bug Contest 2012

a cartoon of the savanna biome

Savanna Biome

Read Searching the Savanna and then take this quiz to test your knowledge!

some puzzle pieces with pollen cells

Pollen

Read Pollen - Nature's Tiny Clues and then take this quiz to test your knowledge!

A clean glass of water with sparkles around it.

Water Activities Central

Visit Water Activities Central

Water is an essential part of our lives. It keeps us alive, helps to grow our food, helps keep our…

hand bones

Busy Bones

Explore the Bone Anatomy Viewer

Ever wonder what’s inside your bones? Here’s your chance to find out! Dissect a virtual bone and learn…

scorpion game

Venom!

Play the Venom! Game

The shape of a molecule is very important. It’s what makes it possible for proteins to interact with other parts of the cell. In…

A logo with a brightly colored coral and the letters EcoChains below it.

EcoChains: Coral Futures

EcoChains: Coral Futures

In EcoChains: Coral Futures, your mission is to build and protect a thriving coral reef ecosystem. You’ll build your reef…