Abstract
Natural history collections have been integral to museums for centuries, reflecting humanity’s curiosity about the world and its diversity. These collections, from fossils and botanical specimens to minerals and preserved wildlife, are repositories of Earth’s natural heritage and witnesses of the evolution of the solar system, life on Earth, and provide a factual basis for the global distribution of species before human activity. However, as the focus and methodology behind these collections have evolved, so too have the reasons for their assemblage, the ways they are managed, and their future roles. This article considers the historical foundations, current applications, and future directions of natural history collections, delving into how these changes reflect broader shifts in scientific understanding and cultural attitudes.
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