Animals | Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Smithsonian Institution

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Our planet is home to a diverse array of life. From the tiniest ant to the largest whale, these animals have amazing adaptations that allow them to thrive across the entire globe. On this page, you can explore highlights from our collection, dive into scientific discoveries, and find stories and resources that bring the animal kingdom to life, whether you’re visiting the Museum in person or exploring online.

Featured Content

The Giant Squid

The Giant Squid is an icon of our Ocean Hall. Learn about giant squids at the Smithsonian.

a preserved giant squid

Humpback whale

Ocean Portal Website

Make Way for Whales

Explore how scientists are using shipping data to protect migrating whales.

Featured Collectons

A giant sea fan on a coral reef

How Do Skeletons Affect Animal Lifestyles

Polar bear skull, inferior view (bottom of the skull)

How to Read a Mammal Skull

All Featured Collections

Teaching Resources

Close up view of a brown, pink, white, yellow, and blue coral reef with many different shapes. Six brown sea urchins are resting on the reef.

What is Biodiversity?

A cicada with orange wings, black body, and red eyes. It is sitting on a blade of grass.

Periodical Cicadas

Grizzly bear resting its front paws on a log

Explore Animal Adaptations

A blue, white, and black butterfly sitting on a green leaf

What is an Insect?

Crowded coral reef

Constructing a Coral Reef

All Teaching Resources