Discover the connections between all life on Earth—including you!
Over 3 billion years ago, the first known signs of life on Earth began to emerge. Since then, the world has filled up with animals, plants, fungi, and more. Even right here in Cleveland, the diversity of life is impossible to ignore. Birds soar across the skies, trees can grow taller than buildings, and tiny mushrooms dot forest floors.
How did such a variety of life come to exist? And how do we as humans fit in?
Uncover the answers to these questions in the Evolving Life Wing. You’ll trace the evolution of life on Earth, engage with interactive exhibits, and discover how all living organisms—yes, even you!—continue to shape the future of our shared planet.
Discover how we are all connected—from mighty mammoths to tiny organisms.
Come face-to-face with a mammoth and travel through four of our planet’s biomes: the icy Arctic, Ohio’s temperate forests, tropical rainforests, and the grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa. Meet specimens like ferocious polar bears and familiar squirrels and learn how organisms interact with each other in their habitats. Plus, make a special stop to explore the ecosystems that exist inside your own body.
Explore the story of life on Earth—and learn how we know what we know.
You might notice that species living in different habitats have different traits. How do hummingbirds end up so small while ostriches can be bigger than people?
Discover the robust body of evidence that explains evolution—the process of living things changing over time in response to their environments. Test your understanding of evolution by answering questions about skulls and beetles, and uncover the story of how humans domesticated wild wolves into our favorite furry friends.
Dive into the past, present, and future of life in our region.
Did you know that Cleveland used to be underwater? The city is now dry enough for us to enjoy our terrestrial lifestyles, but big changes had to occur to get here. With those changes came adaptations, migrations, and even extinctions.
View the ancient aquatic organisms that used to inhabit the very land you’re walking upon. You might even catch a glimpse of a giant armored fish on the move. Then, meet some of the more recognizable species that live in contemporary Cleveland and consider how our cities impact their survival and behavior.
Learn how we’re part of the story, too—and how the health of humans and nature depend on each other.
Just like any other animal, humans also evolve. Follow along with the development of humans and our primate relatives. Stop at interactive stations to reflect upon how evolution shows itself in your own body through features like your five senses, ability to digest milk, and shape of your blood cells.
Unearth the amazing ecosystems in our own backyards—and learn about the importance of biodiversity.
All the diverse organisms on Earth—from the tiniest bacteria to our friends and families—must work together to keep our landscapes healthy. Through exhibits and media, you’ll hear from Museum scientists about how they work to protect local species and habitats. Plus, learn about how you can support the ecosystems in your own neighborhood even after you leave the Museum.
