A Tribute to Diversity
One of the rooms is a tribute to diversity; thousands of butterfly species swarm over a wall and Asian animals display their beauty. We showcase environments such as coral reefs, rainforest, and a Swedish oak. They are home to countless species. You will realize that insects are the masters of diversity.
Newly Discovered and Extinct
What is meant by a species? How do new species develop? Why do species become extinct? In the exhibition you can see both newly discovered and extinct species. The extinct kvagga, the calf with two heads, the exotic birds, kvastfeningen, Karl‑Axel Pehrson’s insect collections, and water‑colours are some highlights you must not miss.
The calf with two heads. Photo: Staffan Waerndt
Describing the world’s species is a task we have continued since Linnaeus’s days. You will learn how today’s researchers search for new species, describe them, and name them.
So far, 1.8 million species have been described in the literature, but there may be as many as 100 million.
Why is biodiversity important?
A rich biodiversity is humanity's safety net. Did you know, for example, that many tropical plants can cure cancer?
Today's systematic researchers are trying to classify Earth's species based on how they are related to each other. In this work, DNA technology is an important tool. In the exhibition, you can see how the technology and the new knowledge are used.
The exhibition is on display until further notice and is produced by the Swedish Museum of Natural History.