Exoskeleton

An exoskeleton is an external skeleton that supports and protects an animals body. Exoskeletons contain rigid and resistant components that fulfill a set of functional roles including protection, excretion, sensing, support, feeding and acting as a barrier against desiccation in terrestrial organisms. Exoskeletons have a role in defense from pests and predators, and support. This bug pictured has an exoskeleton.

Pollen

Pollen is a fine coarse powder containing the organisms that produce male gametes (sperm cells). Pollen grains have a hard coat that protects the sperm cells during the process of their movement between the stamens to the pistil of flowering plants. Animals like the one pictured here is one example of how pollen is transported.

Fruit-Dry with Seed

A nut is a hard shelled fruit with a seed. Nuts are an important source of nutrients for both humans and wildlife. Nuts are a composite of the seed and the fruit, where the fruit does not open to release the seed. Most seeds come from fruits, and the seeds are free of the fruit. These almonds pictured are an example of a fruit that is dry with seeds.

Vascular Plant Tissue

Vascular plant tissue contains two primary components: xylem and phloem. These two tissues transport fluid and nutrients internally. There are also two meristems associated with the vascular tissue. All the vascular tissues within a plant work together to produce the vascular plant tissue. All of the tissues are located in this leaf pictured.

Glycogen

Glycogen is a molecule that functions as the secondary long-term energy storage in animal and fungi cells. Glycogen is made primarily by the liver and muscles. Underneath this puppy's layer of epithelial tissue is his muscle which produces the glycogen.

Spore

A spore is a reproductive structure that is adapted for dispersal and surviving for external periods of time in unfavorable conditions. Spores form part of the life cycle of many organisms, including the one pictured, algae. Spores are usually haploid and produced by meiosis.

Phloem

Phloem in a tree is located in the innermost layer of the bark. Phloem is a living tissue that carries organic nutrients, particularly sugar, to all parts where needed. Phloem is composed of still living cells that transport sap. In this image of the tree the phloem is located deep into the center.