How Preserving UVM's Bird Specimens Preserves Vermont History
Abraham, Meron
Abraham, Meron
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Abstract
This presentation will showcase the value in natural history collections by highlighting UVM's own Zadock Thompson Natural History Collections and using the bird collections as a case study in the various records found within the specimens. Our bird collections consist of bird study skins, of which nearly all were collected in Vermont and date as far back as 1868, as well as bird eggs in the Pember Egg Collection. Historical specimens such as those in our bird collections can be used to represent changes in populations over time, including in morphology, genetics, physiology and abundance. They also reflect historical environments, such as carbon buildup as a consequence of changing carbon emissions over the years. The collectors and preparators of our specimens are also recorded, and the specimens themselves reveal shifts in historical methods of collection and preservation of specimens over time. Extensive and well-maintained natural history collections enable the investigation of patterns in wildlife or environments over time, which can be part of research on climate change, evolution, epidemiology, conservation, and other major topics across science that have profound impacts across the world. Therefore, preserving and maintaining natural history collections is critical due to its potential for use in scientific research.
Description
Date
01/01/2026
Student Status
Junior (Graduating in 2027)
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Type of presentation
Poster
Collections
Research Projects
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Program/Major
Zoology
College/School
College of Arts and Sciences
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Life Science