Reptile and amphibian specimens are not the only things stored in 70% ethanol! Departments such as Ornithology, Botany, and Mollusks preserve select specimens in fluid for further scientific use. This method preserves soft tissues that would otherwise need to be removed, maintains the natural three dimensional shape, and slows down DNA degradation. Fluid collections are more difficult to maintain as they take up more space and have to be regularly monitored to prevent the specimens from drying out. Keep an eye out for our future Alcohol House public tours to see these specimens up close and to meet our collection managers!
Here’s the list of specimens from left to right:
Maianthemum racemosum flowers
Cipangopaludina chinensis
Platycercus eximius
Chameleo gracilis gracilis
Elliptio jayensis
Monstera of Costa Rica
Maianthemum racamosum fruits
Polygonatum biflorum
How did you do at guessing the contents?