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Milstein Hall of Ocean Life

Abstract:: This Web site, created to complement the Hall of Ocean Life, looks at the cradle of life for our planet, along with its key to our future. It includes the following sections: Dioramas is an in-depth look at the Hall of Ocean Life's dioramas. They are: Andros Coral Reef, Diving Birds, Diving for Pearls, Polar Bear, Sargasso Sea, Walrus, West Indian Manatee, Northern Elephant Seal, Northern Sea Lion, Harbor Seal, Dolphin and Tuna, Sea Otter, Tiger Shark, and Sperm Whale and Giant Squid. Ecosystems is an exploration of the ocean's diverse communities. They are: Coral Reefs, Sea Floor, Kelp Forests, Mangrove Forests, Polar Seas, Estuaries, Continental Shelf, and Deep Sea. Ocean Life examines some of the ways in which life in water is different from life on land. Its subsections are Life in Water: Invertebrates; Life in Water: Vertebrates; Tree of Life: Major Marine Phyla; Tree of Life: Vertebrates; Open Ocean; Whales; and Ancient Oceans.

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Pearls Exhibition

Abstract:: This Web site, created to complement an American Museum of Natural History exhibition, takes an in-depth look at pearls. It includes the following sections .What Are Pearls? covers how pearls are formed naturally; what causes differences in surface, size, shape, color, overtone, luster, and iridescence; and how imitation pearls are created. Obtaining Pearls looks at the different ways pearls and mother-of-pearl have been gathered throughout history. Freshwater Pearls describes the pearl-forming mollusks that live in lakes, rivers, and streams, and the gems they create. Marine Pearls looks at marine mollusks, the best-known sources of pearls, and how each species has a unique form, ecology, and history. Pearls in Human History examines how pearls became important symbols of wealth, status, and religious beliefs, as well as how mother-of-pearl shells had an even higher value for some cultures. Gallery includes a multimedia presentation on the evolution of mollusks and annotated photographs of everything from a giant clam shell to Marilyn Monroe's necklace.