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. The move has been in preparation 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 primary concern when relocating the insect collection?

• Finding new species

• Maintaining temperature, humidity, and light conditions

• Increasing the number of cabinets

• Ensuring the insects are fed

Why is the insect collection considered irreplaceable?

• It is open to the public every day

• It includes insects collected by famous scientists like Charles Darwin

• It is the largest collection in the world

• It is stored in a state-of-the-art facility

What makes some insects in the collection unique?

• They are the only examples left of possibly extinct species

• They are made of gold

• They are all alive and breeding

• They are the largest insects in the world

What has been a major part of the preparation for moving the collection?

• Building new cabinets

• Training new staff

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

• Advertising the collection

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

• 2005

• 2008

• 2010

• 2015