Research Guides: Biology: Web Sites

Web Resources

As you Google (using Google Scholar!) your way around the public Web, you find some obviously useful sites, some clearly worthless sites, and maybe a fair number of sites whose value is kind of difficult to judge. For help evaluating those use our Evaluating Websites guide.

Freshwater Ecoregions of the World
Provides a global biogeographic regionalization of the Earth's freshwater biodiversity. Covering virtually all freshwater habitats on Earth, this ecoregion map together with associated species data is a useful tool for identification of outstanding and imperiled freshwater systems and for providing a global-scale knowledge base for increasing freshwater biogeographic literacy.
Genes and Disease
Produced and maintained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, part of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, this site provides a thorough overview of human genes and associated diseases. Part of NCBI's Bookshelf, it is organized into 16 chapters arranged by anatomical or physiological systems. Also featured are a Chromosome Map, and chapters that address female-specific, male-specific, and neonatal diseases.
National Marine Fisheries Services Scientific Publications Office (SPO)
NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service has been publishing the results of its research for more than 125 years.
National Plant Data Center
Includes The PLANTS Database, the PLANTS Image Gallery, PLANTS Identification Keys, Plant Materials Database, Ecological Site Information System, and Crop Nutrient Tool.
Science.gov
An inter-agency search engine that provides public access to science and technology information from many government web sites.
ScienceBlogs
Launched in January 2006, ScienceBlogs is a digital science salon featuring the leading bloggers from a wide array of scientific disciplines. Today, ScienceBlogs is the largest online community dedicated to science.
Scitable
Scitable is a free science library and personal learning tool brought to you by Nature Publishing Group, the world's leading publisher of science. Current concentration is on genetics and cell biology, which include the topics of evolution, gene expression, and the rich complexity of cellular processes shared by living organisms. Scitable also offers resources for the budding scientist, with advice about effective science communication and career paths.
Tree of Life Web Project
Presents a collection of information about biodiversity compiled collaboratively by hundreds of expert and amateur contributors. Its goal is to contain a page with pictures, text, and other information for every species and for each group of organisms, living or extinct. Connections between Tree of Life web pages follow phylogenetic branching patterns between groups of organisms.
USDA Animal Welfare Information Center
Provides links to reports and policies regarding the care, management, and well-being of animals used by humans in a variety of ways. The content, compiled by information specialists from the National Agricultural Library, provides an excellent starting point for researching a variety of animal species, including laboratory, companion, farm, and zoo.