Collections: Life Sciences Unit
The Life Sciences division at the RSM maintains a large collection of plant and animal specimens. Why are they important? Collections provide a kind of “catalogue” of reference material that helps to document the biodiversity of Saskatchewan. The specimens and the information gathered when they were collected shed light on which species occur in the province, where and when they occur and other aspects of their life cycles and behaviour. Without a long-term collection process, it would be difficult if not impossible to identify many species; it would also be easy to overlook their ecological importance. Museum collections also contribute to the study of taxonomy and the naming of species.
Collections preserve specimens that are new to science, such as a new genus of wind scorpion recently found in Saskatchewan. They also preserve examples of species that are now extinct, such as the passenger pigeon.
Collections play a major role in education as well. They may be used to provide information to the general public through publications, exhibits, and presentations, or as teaching aids to introduce the study of nature to children.
For further information contact the Curator of Life Sciences.