The Florida Museum’s Paleobotanical Collection includes approximately 250,000 specimens. This is a conservative estimate that does not take into account the fact that an individual hand sample may contain more than one fossil of interest. In addition, the facility houses the John W. Hall paleobotan
The online collection database contains more than 70,000 digitized records of the
The Eskimo Curlew traveled far, breeding in northern Canada and Alaska and wintering in southern South America. Hunting decimated Curlew populations during their spring migration through the U.S. No credible sightings have been reported since the early 1980s. Summary Eskimo Curlew (Numenius bore
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
Scientists study ancient climate using “natural archives� such as ice and sediment cores, tree rings and certain animal remains. Sclerosponges grow very slowly, so their limestone skeletons hold local climate records that can go back centuries. Summary Sclerosponge (Acanthochaetetes wellsi) Fro
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
Once abundant in the greater Miami area and the Florida Keys, these endangered butterflies are now limited primarily to Biscayne National Park. The Schaus’ population has rebounded significantly due in part to University of Florida conservation efforts and breeding programs. Summary Schaus’ Swal
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
Clam shells form yearly growth rings that record changes in the marine environment during the life of the animal. This specimen preserves 32 years of water temperature data from the eastern Gulf Coast, used in past and present climate studies. Summary Cross-section of Hard Clam (Mercenaria campe
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
The size of the head on this exceptional example of Veracruz art indicates it came from a figure that was quite large. Such figures have been interpreted as musicians or deities, or props in shamanic performances. Summary Effigy Head Made by Remojadas people, Veracruz, Mexico Dates to ~AD 550–
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
Horseshoe Crab blood contains amebocyte cells, which envelop bacteria and prevent them from proliferating. Blood samples from 500,000 crabs are gathered each year to make blood tests that detect bacterial toxins. Summary Horseshoe Crab (Limulus polyphemus) From Cape May Co., New Jersey, Sept. 2
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
In the 1800s, Native Americans began to produce objects to sell to tourists to support themselves while living on reservations. The most popular items were European styles made using traditional materials, and often contained symbolic icons from both cultures. Summary Beaded Vest Made by Sioux
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
The five species of sawfishes are globally endangered in part because their rostra (snouts) are prized trophy items. The Largetooth is now extinct in U.S. waters and the Smalltooth, once found from New York to Texas, is now largely restricted to southern Florida. Summary Sawfish Rostrum Top:
Florida Museum photo by Kristen Grace Rare, Beautiful & Fascinating Online Exhibit
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