What is a Vernal Pool?

A vernal pool is a temporary wetland that fills with water during the rainy season and dries down in the spring. It remains dry for six to eight months awaiting the next winter rains. The plants and animals that are adapted to survive these annual extremes of flood and drought create a changing mosaic of life throughout the three phases of a vernal pool: wet, flowering and dry.

Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Meet Christopher Rogers, Invertebrate Zoologist

Christopher Rogers is an Invertebrate Zoologist, which is a scientist who studies animals without backbones. Specifically, he studies the invertebrates that live in vernal pools. He has travelled all over the world looking for new species in new places.

Find out more about Christopher's fascinating job...
Compare your hearing

Owls have one ear that’s higher than the other. This helps them locate the source of a sound in three dimensions: left or right, near or far, and up or down. How could this ability help this Barn Owl?

Have a friend move out of your sight and clap from different places, some high and some low. Your head will turn to find the direction of the sound. We humans have trouble finding the height of a sound. Try tipping your head sideways to see if it helps you.