An exercise designed by ADW staff to explore the relationship between mass and lifespan, using birds as an exemplar taxon. The query can also be used in other taxa. Data are especially good for mammals.

This exercise is appropriate for introductory or advanced courses in evolution or zoology, such as ornithology. Or it can be modified to explore a similar relationship between mass and lifespan in any other taxonomic group, such as mammals, squamate reptiles, amphibians, and others.