Behind the scenes at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum

The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History houses over 144 million objects, with 99% behind the scenes. Experts like Carla Doug, Dr. Bob Robbins, Ellen Strong, Dr. Jeff Post, and Floyd Shockley manage collections of birds, butterflies, mollusks, minerals, and insects. These collections aid in scientific research, aviation safety, and understanding Earth's history and biodiversity. The museum's vast array of specimens allows for significant research into global issues like climate change and habitat destruction.

What percentage of the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History's collections are not on public display?

• 100%

• 99%

• 75%

• 50%

How many years has Dr. Bob Robbins been working as a lepidopterist?

• 25 years

• 20 years

• 30 years

• 35 years

Approximately how many specimens does the Mollusks collection at the Smithsonian contain?

• 20 million

• 10 million

• 15 million

• 25 million

What is the estimated number of minerals that make up the Earth, according to the National Gem and Mineral Collection?

• 6000

• 5000

• 4000

• 3000

What fraction of all insect life on Earth is represented in the Smithsonian's entomology collection?

• One fourth

• One third

• Two thirds

• One half