Biologists have historically documented their observations about the diversity of life in scientific journal articles, books, and field guides. Their work often includes descriptions paired with colorful, detailed illustrations or images of plants, animals, anatomy, and the environment. Field biologists also record their observations of nature in field notebooks. These notebooks can contain sketches of organisms as well as measurements, environmental data, and weather information.
Field Notes on Keeled Earless Lizard
Dr. Stebbins (1915–2013) was a UC Berkeley museum curator and professor of zoology. This page from his field notes describes the coloration he observed on a keeled earless lizard (Holbrookia propinqua) collected in Rio Grande City, Texas in 1950.
Field Notebook on Polygalaceae
Dr. Engelmann (1809–1884) was a botanist and founder of the St. Louis Academy of Science. This page from his field notes includes sketches of plant species in the Polygalaceae, or milkwort family.
Butterfly Species Illustrations
Founded in 1833 to promote the study of insects, the Royal Entomological Society of London’s transactions and proceedings cover aspects of entomology such as taxonomy, ecology, and behavior.
Taxonomic Assessment of New Catfish Species
Sabaj’s journal article describes three new species of catfish (Leptodoras) found in the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers of South America. Such taxonomic treatments summarize all the information known about a species, including anatomical variation, habitat, diet, and geographic distribution. They may also include detailed illustrations or images of specimens photographed in the field or preserved in museums.