The Field Museum in Chicago preserves everything from fish and snakes to frogs and Komodo dragons in their basement.

These 11 million fluid specimens are preserved in jars or tanks. Preparing and storing them is a centuries-long commitment, so why do it? This method effectively keeps their shape and, in some cases, even DNA. Not only that, but it has helped researchers do groundbreaking work, like developing new techniques for getting old DNA and discovering new species right among the shelves.

We went to the Field Museum to see how new specimens are added to the ever-growing collection.

0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Acquisition
1:15 - Water Snake
3:40 - Catfish
4:19 - Komodo dragon
4:56 - Diaphonized Fish
6:40 - Spider-Tailed Horned Viper
7:45 - Frogs

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Why 11 Million Embalmed Specimens Are Stored In The Field Museum's Basement | Colossal Collections