Map of Life is a mapping project sponsored in part by Yale and the University of Colorado, Boulder. The map offers the option to see distribution of a species around the world. To do so, select a species from the species menu and placemarks for that species will be displayed on the map. Map of Life also provides the option to see a distribution of animals closest to you. To do that select “what lives near me.”

Applications for Education
Map of Life could be a good resource for students studying ecology or biology. You could have students select a species, see its distribution mapped, then investigate the challenges facing the species in various parts of the world. You could also ask students to explain why a particular species is not present in a region of the world.

H/T to Google Maps Mania.