Illinois Natural History Survey facts for kids
| Established | 1858 |
|---|---|
| Location | 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, Illinois, United States |
| Type | Natural History |
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is a special place located in Champaign, Illinois. It's on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The INHS is a very active research center. More than 200 people work there.
It also has one of the biggest museums in the United States that is run by the state. This museum holds huge collections. There are over 9.5 million items, called specimens. These specimens include amphibians, annelids, birds, crustaceans, fish, fungi, insects, mammals, mollusks, plants, and reptiles. These items come from all over the world. The INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute.
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What is the INHS?
The Illinois Natural History Survey is a science organization. It studies the plants and animals of Illinois. Scientists at the INHS learn about nature. They help protect the environment. They also share what they learn with everyone.
Studying Nature in Illinois
Scientists at the INHS look at many different living things. They study tiny insects and large mammals. They also study plants and fungi. Their work helps us understand how nature works. It also shows us how to keep our natural world healthy.
Huge Collections of Life
The INHS has a massive collection of specimens. A specimen is a preserved example of a plant or animal. These collections are like a giant library of life. They help scientists study changes over time. They also help identify new species.
- Insects: The INHS has millions of insect specimens. This helps experts understand insect populations.
- Plants: There are many plant samples. These show the different types of plants in Illinois.
- Fish and Wildlife: The collections include fish, birds, and mammals. This helps track animal health and numbers.
History of the INHS
The Illinois Natural History Survey started a long time ago. It was established in 1858. This means it has been studying nature for over 160 years. Over the years, it has grown a lot. It has become a very important place for science.
Why Natural History is Important
Studying natural history helps us in many ways. It teaches us about the past. It also helps us plan for the future. By understanding nature, we can make good choices. These choices help protect our planet.
