Natural history forms the basis of our understanding of ecology. By studying the life cycle of an organism, how it fits in with other species, and how it interacts with its environment, scientists can create a holistic picture or 'natural history' of

Find out more about terrestrial snails, their classification, diet, and natural history in this illustrated natural history of snails.

In this photographic guide, find out more about cats, their classification, adaptations, and natural history.

In the 17th century, hummingbirds were prized for their feathers and many birds were hunted extensively. Fortunately today hummingbirds are protected against such collection.

Species of snails have evolved in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. A snail's shell provides it with protection from changing weather conditions.

Snails start life as an egg. Snails bury their eggs in a nest a few centimeters below the surface of the ground.

A snail's shell is secreted by glands in its mantle rim and consists of three layers.

Terrestrial snails have eyes that are located on the tips of their upper, longer pair of tentacles. But snails don't see in the same way we do. Their eyes are less complex and provide them with a general sense of light and dark in their surroundings.

Most terrestrial snails are hermaphroditic which means that each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs.

Snails are small and slow. They have few defenses. They must retain enough moisture so their tiny bodies don't dry out, and they must obtain enough food to give them energy to sleep through the long cold winter. So despite living in tough shells, sna