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 in Champaign, Illinois. It's located at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The INHS is a big research center and a museum.
Scientists and staff here study nature. They learn about plants, animals, and fungi. They have one of the largest collections of natural items in the United States. This collection has over 9.5 million specimens!
Contents
What is the Illinois Natural History Survey?
The INHS started way back in 1858. Its main job is to study and protect the natural world. This includes all the living things in Illinois and beyond.
Research and Discovery
The INHS has more than 200 staff members. These people are scientists, researchers, and experts. They work hard to understand how nature works. They study different ecosystems. They also look at how humans affect the environment.
A Living Museum of Nature
The INHS is like a giant library of life. It holds millions of specimens. These are carefully preserved plants, animals, and fungi. Each specimen helps scientists learn about the past and present.
What Kinds of Collections Does INHS Have?
The collections at INHS are huge and diverse. They include many types of living things.
- Amphibians and Reptiles: Frogs, salamanders, snakes, and turtles.
- Birds: Many different bird species.
- Crustaceans: Crabs, lobsters, and other shelled creatures.
- Fish: All kinds of fish found in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Fungi: Mushrooms, molds, and other fungi.
- Insects: A massive collection of bugs, butterflies, and beetles.
- Mammals: Animals like squirrels, deer, and bats.
- Mollusks: Snails, clams, and mussels.
- Plants: A wide variety of trees, flowers, and other plants.
These collections help scientists track changes over time. They can see how species have changed. This information is important for protecting nature.
Part of a Bigger Team
The Illinois Natural History Survey is part of the Prairie Research Institute. This institute brings together different science groups. They all work to understand and protect Illinois' natural resources.
