• A Mongolian yurt (a portable dwelling) that figures in Academy research begun in the 1990s on how climate change is affecting our planet.
• A coral reef in the Bahamas where a study begun in the 1950s continues to explore how reef-dwelling fish have changed over time because of weather, pollution and other factors.
• A Philadelphia-area marsh that characterizes ongoing research on the effects of climate change on sea-level rise, the impact of drilling in the Marcellus Shale, and water pollution.
• A bird-skinning tent in a Southeast Asian jungle where Academy scientists collect and study birds and their DNA for signs of emerging diseases such as avian influenza.
• A paleontology lab where amazing dinosaur fossils are prepared for study in the grand tradition of Dr. Joseph Leidy, the Father of American Vertebrate Paleontology and an Academy curator.

Another element of this spectacular exhibit is a fascinating illustrated timeline of key moments and discoveries of the last 200 years that have had a huge impact on American science. More objects from the collections will be mounted for close-up examination and to be touched. These include a 400-pound meteorite, a cast of a fossil marine reptile, and a piece of grooved brain coral.

“We hope everyone will come see this special exhibit and join with us in celebrating this incredible milestone in the Academy’s long, distinguished history,” said Academy President and CEO George W. Gephart, Jr.

The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery will be on view until March 2013.

Illustrations: Naturalist with Barred Owl.Credit: ©Brandon Zimmerman

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