Quebec is home to a diverse range of flora (plants) and fauna (animals). Among the many plant and animal species that we can find in the province, we can observe a multitude of unique characteristics. For example, the snowshoe hare has much bigger ears than the mouse! Observable characteristics usually serve a purpose. A porcupine’s quills, for example, provide protection. However, the purpose of each feature is not always obvious. Sometimes we need to consider the ways that certain features may help the plant or animal to understand why they exist. In fact, some biologists spend a large part of their lives working to find the answers to these questions!