The Depths Of The Ocean

 Life in the true depths of the oceans thrives in immense pressure, and seems to have an alien look.

This is a mock up of a deep sea thermal vent. Down in the darkness, mineral rich hot water pours out of vents, creating an environment for lifeforms to make a living off of.

Crabs, lobsters, and other creatures of the sea are called arthropods, characterized by exoskeletons.

Another glance at the blue whale skeleton.

We still know so little about the deep parts of the oceans.

One of the peculiarities of the sea is the common mola, a large sunbathing fish that is thought to dive deep for its food, and can often be seen lying on its side on the surface. A model of one hangs above.

A Variety Of Organisms

 The spotted turtle is a resident of freshwater lakes and rivers. A terrarium includes this live one.

A large aquarium includes several species of freshwater fish.

Wetlands are the great filtration system of nature. Aside from the fish that live in them, many animals make a living in wetlands- birds, raccoons, snakes, and more. This display case shows some you might find in a Canadian wetland.

Back out in the ocean, jellyfish are part of the environment. An aquarium features several live jellyfish- ethereal, alien, graceful, and rather hard to photograph.

Swimming Machines

 A video display features images of life in the sea.

Another look at the blue whale.

Life in water has evolved to meet its challenges.

Overhead, models of narwhals are hanging.

This model is a cut out, showing how much blubber is on a blue whale.

The Water Gallery

 The Water Gallery is the next space within the Museum of Nature. Its centerpiece is the skeleton of a blue whale.

It is a large space that looks at the role of water on the planet (and beyond), and the organisms that call it home- both in sea water and freshwater. Hanging above here are narwhal sculptures.

You actually have to move this quartz, by moving the display case, but an air pocket half filled with water is visible, particularly when it's moving. That water is half a billion years old.

If you were to remove all of the salt in the oceans and spread it evenly over the continents, it would go 40 stories up.

A display shows some of the true giants of the ocean, with a model of a person for size comparison. The blue whale is the biggest animal on the planet.

The elusive colossal squid is the biggest invertebrate. It appears that the model of the person beside it is missing- I wonder if the museum knows.

The whale shark is the largest fish of the oceans.