Preserving the Past: The Epic Move of the British Natural History Museum's Insect Collection

The video discusses the meticulous process of relocating a vast insect collection, consisting of 28 million specimens, to a new research facility. The collection, which includes irreplaceable and potentially extinct insects, requires careful handling to prevent damage from environmental changes. Preparations for the move have been ongoing for years, ensuring each specimen is correctly labeled and secured. The new facility, expected to be completed by 2008, will enhance access for researchers and the public.

What is the main challenge in moving the insect collection to a new facility?

• Transporting the cabinets

• Hiring enough staff

• Securing the specimens against environmental changes

• Finding a new location

Why is the insect collection considered irreplaceable?

• It is the oldest collection in existence

• It contains insects from every continent

• It includes specimens collected by famous scientists like Charles Darwin

• It is the largest collection in the world

What makes some insects in the collection unique?

• They are the only examples left of potentially extinct species

• They are the largest insects ever found

• They are all newly discovered species

• They are all from the Amazon rainforest

What preparations have been made for the move to the new facility?

• Building new cabinets

• Training new staff

• Checking that each insect is securely fastened to the correct label and display board

• Creating digital records of each specimen

When is the new storage and display building expected to be completed?

• 2007

• 2008

• 2006

• 2005