Illinois Mantids is a group committed to developing insects of the order Mantodea as models for understanding Illinois biodiversity. The scratchpads format is being utilized to foster an open, communication oriented approach that promotes learning across age groups, educational background and professional affiliation. Major themes include:
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sensory ecology (Sensory adaptations for interacting with their environment)
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life history (Development related strategies)
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predator-prey relationships (Finding food, avoiding being somebody else's food)
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phylogeny (Genealogical relationships, taxonomy and classification)
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fossil record (New research suggests Carboniferous mantids)
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native vs. introduced species (the distinction and significance of these and related issues)
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history and nature of science (changes in perspectives over time and value to understanding)