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The Spectrum of Life

Part of Hall of Biodiversity.

1,500 specimens representing a wide range of bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals are displayed on a long wall in the Hall of Biodiversity. R. Mickens/© AMNH

The Spectrum of Life in the Hall of Biodiversity is an evolutionary trip through the amazing diversity of life on Earth. The 1,500 specimens represent a wide range of bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, from the smallest microorganisms to terrestrial and aquatic giants.

The only one of its kind in the world, this 100-foot-long installation is arranged into 28 living groups covering 3.5 billion years of evolution. Construction of this display involved scientists, artists, filmmakers, educators, and many others.