JoinAfter the Bell: Bringing the Outside In—Insects and their galls
Gall systems are excellent tools for teaching biology. They demonstrate important concepts such as genetic control, plant and animal development, species interactions, biodiversity, and the flow of energy through the food web. Galls, and the animals that attack them, make for a self-contained and somewhat tractable community for study. In this month’s column, background information, inquiry-based procedures, and safety notes are provided for students to embark on an investigation of these fascinating systems.