Dioramas

Abstract:: This Web site showcases the renowned habitat group dioramas that are located in AMNH's halls. It includes the following resources. “Virtual Tours”: Four 360-degree panoramas with interactive components (Alaska Brown Bear Diorama, Bison and Pronghorn Diorama, Upper Nile Region Diorama, Cuthbert Rookery Diorama). “Videos” Sixteen clips available for broadband or 56k viewing Diorama Gallery. A collection of 50 high-quality images from the museum's dioramas Behind the Scenes. An overview of the history and making of dioramas that includes an audio clip, article, and archival photos. “Artists” A look at the creative team, which includes background artists, foreground artists, and taxidermists Diorama Book. An overview of the recently published Windows on Nature, which is available in hardcover and paperback editions. “Downloads” Six computer wallpaper images, each available in 800x600, 1024x768, and 1280x1024 screen resolutions.

Read the Fine Print

Environments and Ecosystems

Abstract:: Students explore the biosphere and its associated environments and ecosystems in the context of creating a model ecosystem, learning along the way about the animals and resources. Students investigate different types of ecosystems, learn new vocabulary, and consider why a solid understanding of one's environment and the interdependence of an ecosystem can inform the choices we make and the way we engineer our communities. This lesson is part of a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: Just like the permanent exhibit it was created to complement, the online Hall of Biodiversity showcases the beauty, diversity, and abundance of life on Earth while warning of the threats posed by human activity. Along with a brief introduction to the exhibit, it includes these four sections: Spectrum of Life - A virtual journey through 3.5 billion years of evolution on Earth. The interactive cladogram includes detailed information on more than 25 diverse life forms. Transformation of the Biosphere - An overview of how the Earth is continually experiencing climatic changes and changes brought on by physical events, such as meteorite collisions. The Dzanga-Sangha Rain Forest - An explanation of what visitors will find when they explore this walk-through diorama at the Museum, which features the sights and sounds of a dense tropical rain forest. Solutions - A list of concrete actions individuals can take to help save the Earth's resources for generations to come.

No Strings Attached

Abstract:: In the Tropical edition of the Natural Inquirer you will learn about different types of plants and animals. The tropics are the home of a variety of biomes, or regions with different kinds of vegetation and other life. Tropical biomes are largely defined by the amount of rainfall they get. In the tropics, you might find rain forests, dry forests, shrub lands, tropical plains called savannahs, and deserts. Scientists working in the International Institute of Tropical Forestry, or IITF, conducted the research in this issue. We hope you enjoy your journey to the tropics!