The Spectrum of Life main content.

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.

View the Spectrum of Life interactive.