(An audio described version of this video is coming soon.)
Corals are intricate and vital ecosystems teeming with life. As these coral reef habitats face unprecedented threats, scientists have a valuable resource that may hold some answers that may help protect them: the National Coral Collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. With over 70,000 specimens spanning nearly 200 years, this collection serves as a time capsule, revealing crucial information about past ocean conditions and coral health. Join us as we explore how Smithsonian researchers Dr. Andrea Quattrini and Dr. Gabriela Farfan use the National Coral Collection and unlock the stories within coral skeletons, shedding light on the impact of environmental changes on coral reefs. From studying mineral crystal structures to creating 3D models, the possibilities are vast.
