Vertebrate Zoology | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Vertebrate Zoology Department Overview

• Definition: The study of animals with backbones.
• Organizational Structure: Comprised of four specific divisions:
  • Fishes
  • Amphibians and Reptiles
  • Birds
  • Mammals
• Core Mission: Conducts systematic and taxonomic research to build a foundational understanding of biodiversity.
• Impact: Supports scientific colleagues, government agencies, conservation groups, and wildlife management professionals.
• Collection Significance: Houses the largest collection of vertebrate specimens globally, featuring historically significant items dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries.