The addition will house collections of the world's living fishes, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. Federal funding for science museums is dwindling, however, and state funding has been static for three years, while museum costs have increased. The combination seems to sharpen Krishtalka's sensitivity to the need for public appreciation of what KU has to offer and the need for continued research. We've only just begun discovering and studying the life of the planet. It has taken scientists 300 years to describe 1.5 million species of plants, animals, insects and bacteria, but our work indicates there are probably 50 million to 100 million species yet to be found and identified.
Public support evolves from public appreciation.
He wants more programs such as Museum Day that combine the resources of the museums of art, anthropology, and classics with those of natural history. As a scientist focused on patterns of evolution and extinction, Krishtalka expects that his plans will take time to evolve. This site is maintained by University Relations, the public relations office for the University of Kansas Lawrence campus. Copyright 1996, the University of Kansas Office of University Relations. Images and information may be reused with notice of copyright, but not altered.