SOUTHEAST PAVILION 



Invertebrates 



Synoptic 

 Series 



At the extreme east is Darwin Hall, devoted chiefly to the invertebrate 

 animals (those which do not possess a backbone). The installation in the 

 alcove cases is designed to give a synopsis of the Animal Kingdom and the 

 relationships existing between the various groups. Passing 

 around the hall from left to right, the progression is from the 

 lowest forms of animal life, the one-celled Protozoa, to the 

 highest and most complex forms of animal life, the Primates, including 

 man. The distinctive characteristics of each group are fully described on 

 the alcove and case labels. Many of the invertebrates, particularly among 

 the lowest forms, are so small and their structures are so minute, that 

 they can be seen only by the aid of a magnifying glass. In such 

 instances the specimens are represented by skilfully prepared models in 

 glass and wax showing the animal many times enlarged. Thus the visitor 

 may obtain an idea of the form and structure of these animals which in 

 spite of their small size have in so many instances such a vital influence on 

 the life of man. 



This alcove contains the lowest forms of animal life. All are single- 

 celled individuals. They are found in stagnant water, and the ocean bottom 

 in many 

 localities 

 is covered 

 with them. The 

 specimens exhibited 

 in this alcove are 

 models, some of 

 which are enlarged 

 more than a thou- 

 sand diameters. 



Sponges are of 

 two kinds. Those 

 with skeletons or 

 supporting struc- 

 tures of silica (i. e. 



limt) and European commercia sponge comparable with the Florida 



those with yellow sponge or "Hardhead." The sponge industry in both 

 the Mediterranean and the Bahama region is almost destroyed 

 Skeletons by careless methods, and conservation must be practiced here as 

 of horn The sponges *** otner of tne world's resources 



29 



Alcove 1 

 Protozoa 



Alcove 2 

 Sponges 



