Natural history collections: a scientific treasure trove

Product Type: Fact Sheet

Year: 2006

Author(s): U.S. Geological Survey

Pages: 2

Suggested Citation: U.S. Geological Survey. 2006. Natural history collections: a scientific treasure trove: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2006-3079. 2 p.

Abstract

Natural history collections play an indispensable and often overlooked role in the conservation and management of our Nation’s flora and fauna. Scientific specimens housed in museum collections not only open an important window into the current and past diversity of like on Earth, but also play a vital role in fueling cutting-edge scientific research in many disciplines. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) curates a collection of vertebrates from the Intermountain and Southwestern United States that is used by researchers from around the globe. As one of the largest Federal natural history collections in the western United States, the USGS specimen holding offer unique opportunities for study the fauna of this incredibly divers and unique region.