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Life Sciences

Human Evolution: Unraveling Our Ancestral Tree | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Human Evolution: Unraveling Our Ancestral Tree

Understanding Our Origins

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s new David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins takes visitors on a captivating journey through the origins of our species. This immersive exhibit explores the defining characteristics of humans, tracing our evolutionary path over millions of years.

Why Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems

Our wisdom teeth often erupt with complications because our jaws have evolved to be smaller. In ancient times, our ancestors had larger jaws to chew tough foods. However, as we developed tools and cooking techniques, our food became softer, reducing the need for powerful jaws. As a result, our jaws shrank, often leaving insufficient space for wisdom teeth to emerge properly.

The Mystery of Hairless Skin

Unlike many other mammals, humans have relatively hairless skin. This adaptation evolved in response to the warm climates in which our ancestors lived. Bare skin aids in dissipating heat, preventing overheating. In the environments where humans evolved, maintaining body temperature was a more significant concern than staying warm.

Key Events in Human Evolution

The Hall of Human Origins highlights major milestones in our evolutionary history, including:

  • The emergence of early human species: Visitors learn about the diverse species of hominins that existed alongside humans during our early history.

  • Climate change and its impact: The exhibit explores how changes in climate influenced the evolution of human traits, such as increased brain size and technological advancements.

  • The emergence of human culture: Fossils and artifacts reveal the development of artistic creativity, language, and social organization in our ancestors.

Our Ancestors’ Journey

The exhibit follows the epic journey of human evolution, from our earliest ancestors to the emergence of modern humans. It highlights the challenges our ancestors faced as they adapted to a changing environment and spread across the globe.

Rick Potts: Uncovering the Evidence

Rick Potts, the lead curator of the Hall of Human Origins, has dedicated his career to studying human evolution. His book, “What Does It Mean to Be Human?,” provides a comprehensive account of the evidence supporting human evolution and its connection to climate change over millions of years.

Smithsonian’s Educational Resources

The Smithsonian’s Human Origins initiative provides valuable resources for educators and lifelong learners. Virtual field trips, online exhibits, and educational programs extend the reach of the museum worldwide, inspiring curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of human origins.

Inspiring Wonder and Knowledge

The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins is a testament to the Smithsonian’s commitment to sharing cutting-edge research and vast collections with the public. Through interactive displays, engaging programs, and thought-provoking exhibits, the museum inspires wonder, encourages curiosity, and delivers knowledge about the origins of our species and the forces that have shaped human evolution.

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History of Science

The Arts and Industries Building: Smithsonian’s Innovation Landmark

by Peter
written by Peter

The Arts and Industries Building: A Smithsonian Landmark

Historical Significance

The Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building, the second oldest structure on the National Mall, has a rich history. Originally known as the National Museum, it opened in 1881 to house the Smithsonian Institution’s vast collection of artifacts. The building itself is a testament to innovation, designed by architects Adolf Cluss and Paul Schulze. Its grand halls and high windows showcased the latest advancements in science, technology, and art.

In 1971, the Arts and Industries Building was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. It has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major restoration in the early 2010s.

Exhibits and Renovations

Throughout its history, the Arts and Industries Building has hosted a wide range of exhibits, from natural history displays to industrial machinery. One of its most famous exhibits was the “First Ladies Hall,” which showcased the gowns of various First Ladies of the United States.

Over the years, the building’s exhibits have evolved to reflect changing interests and technologies. In recent years, there has been a focus on innovation and interactivity. The upcoming Smithsonian Innovation Space will continue this trend, providing visitors with hands-on experiences and immersive learning opportunities.

Architectural Design

The Arts and Industries Building is a prime example of Victorian architecture. Its exterior features a combination of brick, stone, and cast iron, with intricate detailing and arched windows. The interior is dominated by a central rotunda, which is surrounded by balconies and galleries.

The building’s design was influenced by the Crystal Palace in London, which was built for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Cluss and Schulze incorporated many of the Crystal Palace’s features, including its use of glass and iron to create a light and airy space.

The Smithsonian Innovation Space

After extensive renovations, the Arts and Industries Building will reopen in 2023 as the Smithsonian Innovation Space. This new space will be dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity through interactive exhibits, workshops, and programs.

Visitors will be able to explore the latest advancements in science, technology, engineering, and design. They will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of innovation and its impact on society.

The Smithsonian Innovation Space is a testament to the Arts and Industries Building’s enduring legacy as a place of learning and discovery. It will continue to inspire and educate visitors for generations to come.

Additional Information

  • The Arts and Industries Building is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between the Smithsonian Castle and the National Air and Space Museum.
  • The building is open to the public daily, except for Christmas Day.
  • Admission to the Smithsonian Innovation Space will be free of charge.
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Photography

Exploring the Smithsonian’s Photography Collections and Exhibitions

by Kim
written by Kim

Photography at the Smithsonian

Photography as Art and History

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Art has a long history of showcasing photography exhibitions. One notable exhibition was “Ansel Adams, A Legacy,” which featured the iconic landscape photographs of Ansel Adams. The exhibition was a huge success, attracting more visitors than any other in the museum’s history.

Other popular photography exhibitions at the Smithsonian have included “Mathew Brady Portraits: Images as History, Photography As Art,” “American Photographs: The First Century,” and “Visual Journal: Harlem and D.C. in the Thirties and Forties.” These exhibitions demonstrate the Smithsonian’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the art and history of photography.

The Smithsonian’s Photography Collections

The Smithsonian’s vast collections include millions of photographs, ranging from works of art to documentary images. Many of these photographs are housed in the Office of Imaging, Printing, and Photographic Services, while others are maintained on museum sites throughout the Smithsonian complex.

The Office of Horticulture, for example, has over 70,000 images that document the history of landscape architecture and floral design. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has an extensive collection of over 600,000 images related to astronomy and celestial phenomena.

The Role of Photography in Information Delivery

Photography plays a crucial role in the Smithsonian’s mission to share knowledge and understanding with the public. Through its website and various digital platforms, the Smithsonian provides access to millions of digitized photographs. These images are indexed by subject matter and museum source, making them easily searchable and accessible to researchers, students, and the general public.

In addition to its online presence, the Smithsonian continues to mount photography exhibitions that engage and educate visitors. These exhibitions explore a wide range of topics, from the history of photography to the role of photography in documenting social and cultural change.

Preserving and Expanding Photography Collections

The Smithsonian is committed to preserving and expanding its photography collections for future generations. The institution is investing in new storage facilities and digital cataloguing initiatives to ensure the long-term preservation of these valuable assets.

The Smithsonian is also exploring the creation of a center dedicated to the study and appreciation of photography. This center would provide space for curators, scholars, and students to work in close proximity to the collections and would host a variety of exhibitions and educational programs.

Conclusion

Photography is an integral part of the Smithsonian’s mission to preserve and share knowledge. Through its exhibitions, collections, and digital initiatives, the Smithsonian continues to showcase the art, history, and cultural significance of photography, while also ensuring its preservation for future generations.

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