Illustrations play a very important role in science, as they communicate processes, depict things that no longer exist (for example, dinosaurs), or features that are difficult to observe in nature. Photographs sometimes show too much; an illustration can highlight key features while minimising superfluous traits. True scientific illustrations reflect the findings of science and technology, as well as illuminating the beauty of scientific objects. Scientific illustrations communicate the passion and wonder scientists have for their subject, and make complex scientific information understandable to nonexperts. Scientists also learn more about their subject through the process of drawing it.
