Mexico is home to almost 12% of the world's described plant and animal species—more than 108,500 of them! Due to its geographical location on the planet and distinctive topographical characteristics, Mexico is considered a megadiverse country. Among Earth's 17 megadiverse countries, Mexico is ranked fifth in the number of plants and amphibians, third in mammals, and second in reptiles. Some of those species are endemic (meaning they're found only in Mexico), while others are migratory, such as the axolotl (a carnivorous amphibian), monarch butterfly and gray whales. Expedition Leader and marine biologist Melissa Silva illuminates how Mexico's ecological contrasts have led to a huge variety of plant and animal life on this virtual visit to the Baja Peninsula and Gulf of California, the Copper Canyon and northern Sierra Madre mountain range, the Cuatro Ciénegas and Mapimí Biosphere Reserve, and more. Come away with a better understanding of the profound diversity of Mexico's ecosystems and habitats, which go far beyond the dusty, arid, sepia-toned landscape often depicted in movies.