Science & Nature




Famous prehistoric rock paintings of Tassili N'Ajjer, Algeria

What Does it Mean To Be Human?

Source: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

From cave paintings to the first written words, human beings have been making themselves “heard” for a very long time. This section of the Museum of Natural History’s website provides a quick tour of how our use of language and symbols has grown over many, many centuries.


Trilobites

Mass Extinctions

Source: National Geographic

Five mass extinctions—the die-off of a majority of species—have occurred in earth’s history. What causes these periodic extinctions? A sudden change in climate or atmosphere that living things can’t adapt quickly enough to survive. Find out what we know about these changes and what species were able to flourish in their wake.




Austin City Hall, Austin, Texas

What is a Green Roof?

Source: How Stuff Works

Planting gardens on rooftops is an idea that is catching on. You can find green roofs in urban environments, where space is limited and it is difficult to make room for plants. Learn all about the costs and benefits of green roofs here.