Ecosystems/Habitats

The Museum's world-renowned dioramas show a wide range of ecosystems. Com-pare and contrast mammal and bird habitats and adaptations by studying the dioramas in:

  Akeley Hall of African Mammals
  North American Mammals
  Small Mammals
  North American Birds
  Birds of the World

Compare different ecosystems:
  Rain Forest Diorama in the Hall of Biodiversity, Olympic Rain Forest Diorama, Giant Cactus Forest, and Forest Floor Diorama in the Hall of North American Forests
  Rain Forest Diorama in the Hall of Biodiversity with local ecosystems and microhabitats in New York State Environment Hall
  North American Bird Hall with Reptiles and Amphibians Hall

Evolution

Discover the birth of life on Earth in the Hall of the Universe. In the Hall of Planet Earth, find evidence of a recently discovered ecosystem—hydrothermal vents, sulfur chimneys on the ocean floor. The Fourth Floor Halls tell the history of vertebrate evolution using cladograms. Make connections with our own evolutionary history in the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution.

Human Effects on the Environment

Both the New York State Environment Hall and the Reptiles and Amphibians Hall highlight habitat loss due to human activity. Study the development of irrigation in the River Valley area of the Hall of African Peoples to see how people use their environment. Compare to the New York State Environment Hall.

Find information about many endangered species and habitats on exhibit throughout the Museum at: www.amnh.org/nationalcenter/Endangered/