The Wall of different Species of Animals
The purpose of the wall of different species is to inform its views of the different species found in the Animalia kingdom, including, but not limited to arthropods, mollusks , and echinoderms. Through videos, diagrams and mounted models, the wall informs its viewers of the trademark characteristics of various species, in addition to how they interact with their environment.
This was a very popular display in the Biodiversity Hall. During a 15 minute observation, roughly 37 people came and left this wall. Most of the visitors were young children who vigorously touched the video screens and pointed at the various models on the wall crying out excitedly to their parents as they watched.
As far as the information and its accessibility goes, I feel as if this wall pretty much nailed it. The information was clear, colorful and easy to read and comprehend. The information was also accessible either through text if you felt like reading, or video if you didn’t want to.
The Endangered Species Case
The case of Endangered Species is meant to show its audience some of the many animals that are threatened, endangered and facing imminent extinction.
This was also a fairly popular case, but not to the extent of the Wall of Different Species. During a 15 minutes observation at this display, roughly 26 people came and left. Once again, the majority of the viewers were children, and although there were no videos or touch screens at this display, the children seemed even more excited than at the Wall of Different Species. They pressed their hands and faces against the glass trying to get as close as humanly possible to the stuffed models in the case and waved their parents over to come and see what they were seeing.
Though its visuals may have potentially outshine those of the Wall of Different Species, the Endangered Species case’s information was not as extensive and in depth as the Wall’s. There was only one information box for the whole case and although its information was great, it felt awkwardly placed on the case, and unless you really searched for it, you just might miss it. That small note aside, it was an incredible display.
I wish I could better answer the question of whether or not the Biodiversity exhibit could have better conveyed the biodiversity and conservation message. The truth is, I knew so, so little about both topics prior to taking this class, that I feel as if I cannot confidently give any criticism to how accurately the topics were portrayed. I thought it was all wonderful and very well executed and extremely informative. I don’t really have any suggestions on how it could have been improved. Maybe a bit more lighting in some areas to take it easier to read the information boxes, but that’s about it.
Overall the Hall of Biodiversity did a fantastic job of introducing the public to and educating them on such an important topic. It can be difficult to take in conservation and biodiversity issues and topics when you hear about them on the news or in the nature magazines with all of the expert opinions and scientific words, but the exhibit at the Museum of Natural History informs without, overwhelming, which is the approached the average person responds best to. Great exhibit!
