CSBR: Natural History Collections: Support for the AMNH Invertebrate Paleontology Collection; Addressing a critical need to conserve and digitize the Microfossil Collection

美国自然历史博物馆(AMNH)收藏了世界上最大的无脊椎动物古生物学藏品之一，估计有480万件标本。该奖项提供资金，以修复部分收藏--有孔虫和介形类微化石收藏，其中包含独特的、具有科学价值的标本。这些标本很重要，因为它的范围很广，这使得研究这些生物的多样性及其在地理上和地质时间上的分布成为可能。由于存储不佳和缺乏数据库，收集工作面临风险。标本将被识别、重新安置、保存和编目。与标本有关的数据将通过在线数据库提供给公众和研究人员，以及1000多个标本的数字图像和50个标本的CT扫描图像。对该收藏的改进将提高其实用性和可及性，供研究人员和学生使用。正确识别和精选的标本将用于进化研究和利用有孔虫来评估现在和过去的气候变化对生态系统的影响的研究。这笔补助金支持的实习生将接受收集和数据管理以及标本鉴定方面的培训。标本将被突出展示，并用于AMNH针对K-12学生的教育活动。

The American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) contains one of the largest invertebrate paleontology collections in the world, estimated at 4.8 million specimen lots. This award provides funds to rehabilitate part of that collection - the Foraminifera and Ostracoda Microfossil Collection which contains unique and scientifically valuable specimens. The collection is important because of its broad range, making it possible to study the diversity of these organisms and their distribution geographically, and over geologic time. The collection is at risk due to suboptimal storage and lack of databasing. Specimens will be identified, rehoused, conserved and catalogued. Data associated with specimens will be made available to the public and researchers via the online database, along with digital images of over 1,000 specimens and CT-scan images of 50 specimens.The improvements to this collection will enhance its utility and accessibility for researchers and students. Correctly identified and curated specimens will be used in evolutionary studies and in research in which foraminifera are used to evaluate the impacts of present and past climate change on ecosystems. Student interns supported by this grant will be trained in collection and data management and in specimen identification. Specimens will be highlighted for exhibit display and for use in AMNH's educational activities for K-12 students.