The Wonders Within
Discover more than 40 unique displays that bring the skeletal world to life through modern animals. Each exhibit is carefully curated to educate and captivate visitors of all ages.
Apes in Primates Exhibit (2020) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Primates
The order of primates includes chimps, gorillas, bonobos, humans, and monkeys. They have opposable thumbs or prehensile tails. There are only a small number of species of apes, while there are over a hundred species of monkeys.
Old and new world
Monkeys are broken up into two categories. Old World monkeys refer to species located in Africa, Asia, and Europe while New World refers to species located in the Americas, including North America, Central America, and South America.
Order Carnivora Exhibit (2020) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Carnivora
The order Carnivora refers to a group of mammals that, in most cases, have evolved adaptations for eating meat, such as sharp teeth and strong jaws.
Do you know your carnivore?
Characteristics commonly associated with carnivores include strength, speed, and keen senses for hunting, as well as teeth and claws for capturing and tearing. Carnivores’ eyes are usually located on the front of the skull to help aid in catching prey.
However, some carnivores do not hunt and are scavengers, lacking the physical characteristics to bring down prey. Carnivores have comparatively short digestive systems, as they are not required to break down the tough cellulose found in plants.
Cat Skeletons (2021) by Skulls Unlimited INternationalMuseum of Osteology
Felidae
Cats! They are obligate carnivores and have retractable claws. Some are solitary, and some live in groups. They have excellent night vision and are talented hunters. Some cats can roar (lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards) and some purr. Some cats, meow loudly for attention.
Feline diet
Cats are dependent on nutrients in animal flesh for survival, and because of the large proportion of meat in their diet, cats are sometimes referred to as hypercarnivores.
Rodent Exhibit (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Rodentia
Rodents are small mammals with continuously growing incisors. They are a very diverse group but most have good vision and sense of smell. They are omnivores or herbivores.
What's up with those teeth?
All rodents possess constantly growing rootless incisors that have a hard enamel layer on the front of each tooth and softer dentine behind. The differential wear from gnawing creates sharp chisel edges. Rodents’ absence of other incisors and canine teeth results in a gap, or diastema, between incisors and cheek teeth. Powerful muscles attached to the jaw and skull provide most of the power for chewing and gnawing.
Ostrich Emu and Cassowary in Ratites Exhibit (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Flightless birds
There are over 60 species of flightless birds, with the largest being the ostrich. New Zealand has the greatest population of flightless birds, most likely due to lack of predators.
Wings or no wings?
Flightless birds still have wings, but their wings are typically smaller or less fully developed than birds that fly. The feather shapes may be different, such as looking fluffy like fur or being tiny and compact for insulation while swimming.
Giant Salamander Skeleton (2021-09-01) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Amphibians
Amphibians need a moist environment to survive and can breathe through their skin. Some have a saltatorial locomotion, and their skeletons reflect that with stronger, thicker back limbs. Amphibians typically have four limbs, however, caecilians are legless.
Frogs and toads
Frogs and toads are the most familiar amphibians, and they use their long hindlimbs and powerful muscles to catapult into the air or barrel through water. Frog skin has mucous glands, poison glands, and antibiotics that give them protection against pathogens in aquatic habitats. Frogs and toads lay eggs in water and then go through a metamorphosis from a juvenile water-breathing form to an adult air-breathing form.
Western Diamond Snake Skeleton (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Reptiles
Reptiles are cold-blooded, air-breathing, usually egg-laying vertebrates that include alligators and crocodiles, lizards, snakes, turtles, and extinct related forms (such as dinosaurs and pterosaurs). A reptile body is typically covered with scales or bony plates.
Snakes
There are over 3,000 species of snakes and they are found almost everywhere on Earth. They have a long flexible spine with thin rib bones to protect their organs.
Crocodilians (2024) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
Crocodilians
There are 4 types of crocodilians: crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. They have osteoderms that act like solar panels and absorb heat.
Crocodile or alligator?
The easiest way to identify alligators from crocodiles is by the shape of their snouts. Alligators generally have wider heads with U-shaped snouts. Crocodiles tend to have narrower heads with V-shaped snouts. This rule cannot always be applied successfully.
When an alligator's mouth is closed, its lower teeth are hidden. In a crocodile's mouth there is a tell-tale fourth tooth that sticks out of its closed jaw.
Bat Exhibit (2021) by Skulls Unlimited InternationalMuseum of Osteology
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