Natural Sciences
Scientists from the Bishop Museum are studying the natural world from the bottom of the ocean to the tops of the highest volcanoes throughout the Pacific.
Some like Richard Pyle (left) are discovering previously unknown life in the ocean's "twilight zone" - the depth at which light from the sun starts to fade into darkness.
Others like Allen Allison (right), Shelley James, and Ken Longenecker research the fauna and flora of New Guinea, trying to learn about biodiversity in island ecosystems.
Our researchers communicate their findings in professional journals and at Museum special events like our Family Sundays.
Collections
The Bishop Museum’s biological collections are split into 7 separate sections: Botany (plants), Entomology (insects), Ichthyology (fish), Invertebrate Zoology (animals without backbones), Malacology (shells), Vertebrate Zoology (non-fish animals with backbones), and the Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity (DNA). Much of the material in these collections was accumulated by researchers around the Pacific over the past century, including many Bishop Museum staff. Each collection continues to grow as researchers study our natural world and deposit important voucher specimens at the Bishop Museum. Once specimens are accepted and accessioned by collections managers upon arrival at the museum, staff curate and install specimens into permanent storage spaces. Some specimens are showcased in semi-permanent or temporary exhibits throughout the museum. In special cases, guided back-of-house collections tours are given to groups or individuals based on time and availability of collections staff. Specimens are also available for research by scientists and qualified personnel.
