Find answers to your big nature questions. Delve into stories about the Museum's collections, scientists and research. Uncover the history of life on Earth, from the smallest insects to the largest mammals.
Highlights
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What on Earth?The real cast of The Little Mermaid
Meet the creatures that really are part of your world.
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Behind the Science Justin Isip on the challenges of doing a PhD
Justin chats about the challenges involved in getting a PhD placement and maintaining a work-life balance.
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Wildlife photographyWildlife Photographer of the Year: Draining the Basin
Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.
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British wildlifeHow well do you know your nature sounds? Take the quiz and find out
Think you know your birds from your bees?
News
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NewsClaims that Homo naledi buried their dead could alter our understanding of human evolution
New claims argue that the ancient human species Homo naledi buried their dead and made engravings.
5 June 2023 -
Science newsBivalves were slow starters during the Cambrian explosion
The bivalves appear to have been left behind in history’s biggest ever burst of evolution.
31 May 2023 -
NewsImports of ivory from hippos and killer whales to be banned in the UK
Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.
31 May 2023 -
NewsOldest evidence of plague in Britain is over 4,000 years old
New research reveals that Yersinia pestis was widespread across Europe during the Bronze Age, thousands of years before the Black Death.
30 May 2023
Dinosaurs
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DinosaursThe Cretaceous Period: What was Earth like before dinosaurs went extinct?
The Cretaceous Period is famous for ending with a massive asteroid impact, but what was our planet like in the millions of years before that?
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DinosaursWhy were dinosaurs so big? The secrets of titanosaurs' super size
Dinosaurs are the largest land animals to ever live. Titanosaurs were the biggest of them all. Explore how they were able to grow to such a size.
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DinosaursWhat was the biggest dinosaur?
Get to know some of the largest dinosaurs to have ever walked the planet.
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DinosaursHow are dinosaur fossils formed?
Even though dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, we know about them thanks to fossils. Watch our animation to find out how dinosaur fossils formed.
Dippy the Diplodocus 3D skull
Rotate, zoom in and explore the features of this popular dinosaur.
Anthropocene
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News
Imports of ivory from hippos and killer whales to be banned in the UK
Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.
31 May 2023 -
NewsEndangered chimpanzees contaminated with pesticides and flame retardants
Primate poo is revealing how pollutants are affecting threatened species in the wild.
24 May 2023 -
Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Draining the Basin
Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.
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NewsLack of methane emissions control threatens climate change action
Over 85% of methane emissions aren't being regulated by governments around the world.
19 May 2023
Wild Crimes podcast
Uncover some of the most shocking, sensational and sinister crimes committed against the natural world, and hear from the people working to end them.
British wildlife
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British wildlifeCuckoo spit and fascinating froghoppers (spittlebugs)
In spring and summer, you might notice something looking like spit on a plant.
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British wildlifeStag beetle facts: the UK's largest beetle and where to see it
London is a particular stronghold of these magnificent, rare beetles. Discover why, where else they live and how you can help protect them.
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British wildlifeSlow worms: Britain's most unusual lizards
If you see a snake blink at you, it's not a snake.
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British wildlifeUK moths: nine of the most colourful and distinctive
Check out these flamboyant flyers who are challenging moths' drab reputation with style.
What on Earth?
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What on Earth?How do dung beetles' diets keep the world clean?
Find out why dung beetles eat poo and how some use the Sun and stars when they travel.
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What on Earth?Murder, maggots and forensic entomology
Did you know that flies have been helping us solve crimes for hundreds of years?
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What on Earth?The wonderfully weird world of tenrecs
From looking like Pokémon to having more nipples than any other mammal, tenrecs are an unusual bunch.
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What on Earth?Supervolcanoes and their enormous eruptions
Discover what a supervolcano is, what their eruptions are like and how they impact our planet.
Space
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SpaceMeteor showers to watch in 2023
Planetary science researcher and meteorite expert Dr Ashley King shares his tips on how to get the best view.
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SpaceWhat is space junk and why is it a problem?
Millions of pieces of human-caused debris are orbiting Earth. But are they an issue, and what can we do about them?
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Science newsRyugu asteroid samples offer insight into early years of the solar system
Researchers have caught a glimpse of the cosmos just two million years after the formation of the solar system.
22 September 2022 -
SpaceShooting stars: How to photograph the night sky
Anyone can capture the majesty of the galaxy with a simple camera. All you need is a dark, clear night and the willingness to have a go.
Human evolution
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Human evolutionHow we became human
What features make us human? And where, when and why did they evolve?
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Science newsEarly English Anglo-Saxons descended from mass European migration
The people after which England is named made up more than three quarters of the nation's genetic ancestry during the early Middle Ages.
21 September 2022 -
Science newsOldest evidence of modern humans in western Europe discovered
Modern humans arrived in western Europe about 10,000 years earlier than previously thought.
9 February 2022 -
Human evolutionHomo erectus, our ancient ancestor
Learn about the longest-surviving human species, which was also the first known to leave Africa.
Who were the Neanderthals?
Explore Neanderthal facts, from looks to lifestyle and abilities. These early humans are far more similar to us than once believed.
Oceans
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OceansBeluga whales: Social, smart and wizards with sound
Get to know the Arctic's most friendly faced white whales.
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OceansDumbo octopus: The murky world of the deepest octopus species
Named after its prominent ear-like fins, there's much more to this fascinating octopus than its adorable appearance.
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OceansGreat white sharks: Dangerous man-eaters or marine marvels?
Great white sharks are some of the world's most misunderstood animals. There is much more to these sensitive fish than just a big bite.
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NewsHistoric treaty to protect the world's oceans finally agreed
Nations have reached a historic agreement to protect the world's oceans from exploitation.
6 March 2023
Collections
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CollectionsHidden Treasures: Season two of our behind-the-scenes live streams
Explore our collections and discover some of the many specimens you won't see on a regular visit to the Museum.
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CollectionsThe Legacy of Dürer's Rhinoceros
Dürer's woodcut print of a rhinoceros is as iconic as it is inaccurate. In this article we explore the legacy of this infamous artwork and how it shaped thinking on its subject for more than 200 years after its creation.
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CollectionsThe Irish elk: when and why did this giant deer go extinct and what did it look like?
Fossil bones and antlers in the Museum's collection hold clues about the life and disappearance of Europe's biggest ever deer.
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CollectionsInteresting shells: from bizarre biology to cunning counterfeits
Think you know shells? The ones you see at the beach are just the tip of the iceberg.
Wildlife photography
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Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Draining the Basin
Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.
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Wildlife photographyWildlife Photographer of the Year: A Slim Outlook for South America's Spectacled Bear
Why are elusive spectacled bears roaming Quito's city limits?
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Wildlife photographyWildlife Photographer of the Year: The southern right whales' song of hope
Southern right whale numbers have bounced back since the end of whaling, and they got up close and personal with one photojournalist.
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NewsWildlife Photographer of the Year 2022 announces People's Choice winning image
The ethereal beauty of the snow leopard and its surroundings resonated with voters.
9 February 2023
Latest videos
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Collections
Hidden Treasures: Season two of our behind-the-scenes live streams
Explore our collections and discover some of the many specimens you won't see on a regular visit to the Museum.
-
Dinosaurs
Why were dinosaurs so big? The secrets of titanosaurs' super size
Dinosaurs are the largest land animals to ever live. Titanosaurs were the biggest of them all. Explore how they were able to grow to such a size.
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CollectionsHidden Treasures: Season one of our behind-the-scenes live streams
Catch up on season one of our interactive behind-the-scenes live stream.
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Finding common sense with Ananse, the West African spider-god
Every culture in the world has at least one mythical character who, in some way, represents wisdom, knowledge or just plain common sense.
All articles
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British wildlifeDusk till dawn: The secret world of night creatures
Our top tips for how to see nocturnal animals as they go about their busy lives after dark.
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News
Claims that Homo naledi buried their dead could alter our understanding of human evolution
New claims argue that the ancient human species Homo naledi buried their dead and made engravings.
5 June 2023 -
What on Earth?
The real cast of The Little Mermaid
Meet the creatures that really are part of your world.
-
Science news
Bivalves were slow starters during the Cambrian explosion
The bivalves appear to have been left behind in history’s biggest ever burst of evolution.
31 May 2023 -
News
Imports of ivory from hippos and killer whales to be banned in the UK
Five species are set to receive greater legal protection under a new extension to the UK’s ivory ban.
31 May 2023 -
News
Oldest evidence of plague in Britain is over 4,000 years old
New research reveals that Yersinia pestis was widespread across Europe during the Bronze Age, thousands of years before the Black Death.
30 May 2023 -
NewsNew sabre-toothed species reveals 'unprecedented' impact of largest ever extinction
A new fossil predator has offered an insight into the chaotic final years of the largest extinction of all time over 250 million years ago.
26 May 2023 -
What on Earth?Axolotls: Meet the amphibians that never grow up
These characterful creatures also have amazing regeneration abilities.
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Science newsAround 90% of species in prospective deep-sea mining zone are unnamed
Many regions of the deep sea are currently being explored for the potential to mine them.
25 May 2023 -
Behind the Science Justin Isip on the challenges of doing a PhD
Justin chats about the challenges involved in getting a PhD placement and maintaining a work-life balance.
-
News
Endangered chimpanzees contaminated with pesticides and flame retardants
Primate poo is revealing how pollutants are affecting threatened species in the wild.
24 May 2023 -
Wildlife photography
Wildlife Photographer of the Year: Draining the Basin
Who gets water when there's not enough for everyone? Morgan Heim's image captures the moment of relief as groundwater gushes from a ditch in the parched Klamath Basin.
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NewsThe Natural History Museum shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023
The Museum is as a finalist for the world's largest museum prize.
22 May 2023 -
Science newsMarsupials might be the more evolved mammals
Mammal evolution has been flipped on its head, according to new research that suggests marsupials are the more evolved mammals.
19 May 2023 -
News
Lack of methane emissions control threatens climate change action
Over 85% of methane emissions aren't being regulated by governments around the world.
19 May 2023 -
NewsNew species of spinosaur suggests the predators co-existed in western Europe
Protathlitis cinctorrensis is the latest to be discovered in Spain, adding to the evidence that spinosaurs first evolved in Europe.
18 May 2023 -
NewsClimate change set to breach 1.5⁰C limit for first time by 2027
The world is rapidly running out of time to halt rising temperatures.
17 May 2023 -
NewsBritain has lost 73 million birds over the last 50 years
Most of the declining species are farmland birds.
12 May 2023 -
Science newsNoisy neighbours: Listening in to nature in cities and towns
Urban soundtracks allow us to listen in to wildlife, from calling birds and shouting foxes to chirping insects and quiet worms.
12 May 2023 -
Science newsRare fossils fill a gap in the evolution of major animal groups
Exceptionally well-preserved fossils from the Cambrian period have helped fill a gap in our understanding of the origin and evolution of major animal groups alive today.
11 May 2023 -
Science newsScientists weed out harmful genes to breed better potatoes
An unprecedented look at potato genetics could help to tackle world hunger.
11 May 2023 -
Science newsNew group of butterflies named after Lord of the Rings villain Sauron
While there are currently only two members of the genus Saurona, many more as-yet-undescribed species are thought to exist.
7 May 2023 -
Science newsMonitoring changes in Wikipedia pageviews could help save wildlife
Scientists have developed an ambitious new tool which monitors the monthly changes in Wikipedia pageviews for thousands of species.
4 May 2023 -
British wildlife
How well do you know your nature sounds? Take the quiz and find out
Think you know your birds from your bees?
