Nature illustration is the art of depicting plants, animals, and natural scenes with accuracy and detail. This form of illustration serves both artistic and scientific purposes, helping to document and study biodiversity. Artists often use various techniques, including watercolor, ink, and digital media, to create lifelike representations of the natural world. Historically, nature illustration has played a crucial role in fields like botany and zoology, aiding in the identification and classification of species. Notable figures in this field include John James Audubon, known for his detailed paintings of birds, and Maria Sibylla Merian, who focused on insects and their life cycles.