Natural History
The Department of Natural History collections comprise one of the largest holdings of natural history specimens in Canada, and are recognized internationally. Staff members conduct research in areas of particular strength in our collections and where our curators have a special expertise. We are actively involved in studying the diversity, evolutionary relationships, distribution, and conservation of living species; in researching and displaying fossilized plants and animals from all over the world; and in acquiring and studying the best examples of minerals, gems, meteorites and rocks from our planet and solar system.
Natural History Collections
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Plants
1,181,000 Specimens
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Minerals & Gems
68,800 Specimens
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Rocks & Ores
36,700 Specimens
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Meteorites
4,000 Specimens
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Insects & Arachnids
5,291,000 Specimens
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Reptiles & Amphibians
80,500 Specimens
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Fishes
1,529,000 Specimens
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Invertebrate Fossils
471,400 Specimens
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Invertebrates
1,265,000 Specimens
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Mammals
124,000 Specimens
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Fungi
592,200 Specimens
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Birds
204,500 Specimens
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Vertebrate Fossils
125,400 Specimens