Sat Feb 22 07:59:01 UTC 2025: **March Mammal Madness Tournament Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Focus on Tree of Life**

TEMPE, Ariz. – The wildly popular March Mammal Madness (MMM) tournament, a science-based competition modeled after the NCAA’s March Madness, is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Created by Arizona State University Associate Professor Katie Hinde, MMM engages students and educators worldwide in a fun, research-based exploration of animal biology and evolution.

This year’s theme, “The Tree of Life,” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Monkey Trial and highlights the work of ASU’s Genetics Team, led by Regents Professor Anne Stone. The tournament’s unique blend of storytelling and scientific inquiry makes complex concepts accessible to a broad audience. Over 6,000 educators have already signed up to use MMM with nearly 600,000 learners, a testament to its popularity and impact on science education.

The 2025 bracket, released February 20th, is available online through the ASU Library’s MMM Library Guide. The tournament is free to play and offers open educational resources, including lesson plans and customizable materials to support teachers. This year also sees the addition of the National Center for Science Education and the National Association of Biology Teachers as co-sponsors.

MMM’s success is attributed to a collaborative effort involving biologists, librarians, artists, conservationists, and educators. The tournament aligns with Open Education Week (March 3-7), further promoting the accessibility of quality science education resources. Professor Hinde encourages everyone to participate, emphasizing that “If you’re learning, you’re winning!”

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