Laura Klappenbach Ecology Expert Education M.S., Applied Ecology, Indiana University Bloomington B.S., Biology and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Introduction Biologist, ecologist, and science writer Experience Laura Klappenbach is a former writer for ThoughtCo who contributed articles on wildlife for 15 years. She has been published in media including Flipboard on animals ranging from mites to blue whales. Education Laura Klappenbach has bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's in environmental science and ecology from Indiana University-Bloomington. ThoughtCo and Dotdash Meredith ThoughtCo, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is an award-winning reference site offering education content created by experts. ThoughtCo reaches 13 million readers each month. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines. Read more from Laura Klappenbach How Animals Interact in an Ecosystem Animal Profiles A to Z: By Scientific Name The 10 Essential Facts to Know About Animals Plover Facts Giant Panda Facts What Is a Pride of Lions? Prokaryotes Vs. Eukaryotes: What Are the Differences? Tiger Pictures Animals Old World Monkeys Storming the Beaches: Early Land Vertebrates A Glossary of Zoology Terms Mammals: Definition, Photos, and Characteristics Reptiles: Species and Common Characteristics Hedgehog: Species, Behavior, Habitat, and Diet Leopard Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet Dolphin Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet Pelican Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet What Is Permafrost? Ostrich Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet Chameleons: Types, Characteristics, and Photos Tiger Facts: Habitat, Behavior, Diet Chelicerates Group: Key Characteristics, Species, and Classifications Lion Facts