Skeletal System of Vertebrates

This exhibition on the skeletal system of vertebrates illustrates the relationship between the structure and function of the skeleton.

Among the 66 complete skeletons on display are animals associated with the aquatic environment: cartilaginous and bony fishes, and an overview of marine mammals: dugong (Dugong dugong), manatee (Trichechus sp.), dolphins, beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) and narwhal (Monodon monoceros) with its characteristic long, spirally twisted tusk (“unicorn horn”).

The skeleton of the largest whale, the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), is also on display and can be viewed in the “Animal World” hall, along with a smaller sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis). These are the only complete skeletons of these species exhibited in Poland.

Besides these, skeletons of edentates are shown: the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga jubata) and the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus). The exhibition also presents examples of primates. Among the carnivores, skeletons of the leopard (Panthera pardus) and the polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus) are displayed.

An interesting part of the exhibition is the display of skulls, including those of the hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). Finally, a collection of primate skulls is presented, from lemur (Lemur sp.) to chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), supplemented by a diagram of the evolutionary lines of hominoids with models of human ancestors’ skulls. Apart from mammals, skeletons of reptiles are shown, including the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), anaconda (Eunectes murinus) and leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis).