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National Museum of Natural History Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: National Museum of Natural History: Facts and Exhibits

Cheat Sheet:
National Museum of Natural History: Facts and Exhibits Study Guide

Museum Overview and Administration

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is administered by the National Park Service.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies the NMNH as being administered by the Smithsonian Institution, not the National Park Service.

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Admission to the National Museum of Natural History requires a paid ticket.

Answer: False

Explanation: Admission to the National Museum of Natural History is free for all visitors.

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The main building of the National Museum of Natural History is located in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Museum of Natural History is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., not New York City.

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The National Museum of Natural History is open 365 days a year.

Answer: False

Explanation: The museum is open 364 days a year, closing only on December 25th.

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In 2023, the NMNH was the most-visited museum in the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2023, the NMNH welcomed 4.4 million visitors, ranking third among U.S. museums, not first.

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The main NMNH building has an exhibition and public space area of approximately 1.5 million square feet.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the total area of the main NMNH building is approximately 1.5 million square feet, the area dedicated to exhibition and public space is about 325,000 square feet.

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The Authority control section lists the Library of Congress (United States) and BnF (France) as databases.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Authority control section does list numerous databases, including the Library of Congress (United States) and BnF (France), among others.

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Which entity administers the National Museum of Natural History?

Answer: The Smithsonian Institution

Explanation: The National Museum of Natural History is administered by the Smithsonian Institution.

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What is the admission policy for the National Museum of Natural History?

Answer: Admission is free for all visitors.

Explanation: Admission to the National Museum of Natural History is free for all visitors.

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How many visitors did the NMNH welcome in 2023, and what was its ranking among U.S. museums?

Answer: 4.4 million visitors, ranking third.

Explanation: In 2023, the NMNH welcomed 4.4 million visitors, positioning it as the third most-visited museum in the United States.

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What is the approximate total area of the main NMNH building?

Answer: 1.5 million square feet

Explanation: The main building of the National Museum of Natural History encompasses an area of approximately 1.5 million square feet.

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Historical Foundation and Architecture

The National Museum of Natural History building on the National Mall opened in 1950.

Answer: False

Explanation: The main building of the National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall officially opened its doors on March 17, 1910.

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The United States National Museum, the precursor to the NMNH, was founded in 1946.

Answer: False

Explanation: The United States National Museum, the precursor to the NMNH, was founded in 1846 as part of the Smithsonian Institution.

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The Arts and Industries Building, completed in 1881, was originally known as the National Museum Building.

Answer: True

Explanation: The building completed in 1881, now known as the Arts and Industries Building, was indeed originally referred to as the National Museum Building.

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The main NMNH building is designed in the Gothic architectural style.

Answer: False

Explanation: The main building of the National Museum of Natural History is designed in the Neoclassical architectural style.

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In what year did the main building of the National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall officially open?

Answer: 1910

Explanation: The main building of the National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall opened its doors in 1910.

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The United States National Museum, the precursor to the NMNH, was founded as part of which institution?

Answer: The Smithsonian Institution

Explanation: The United States National Museum, the precursor to the NMNH, was founded in 1846 as an integral part of the Smithsonian Institution.

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What architectural style characterizes the main building of the National Museum of Natural History?

Answer: Neoclassical

Explanation: The main building of the National Museum of Natural History is designed in the Neoclassical architectural style.

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Collections and Scientific Endeavor

The National Museum of Natural History holds the largest natural history collection globally.

Answer: True

Explanation: With over 146 million specimens, the NMNH possesses the largest natural history collection in the world, underscoring its global significance.

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The NMNH collections include fossils, minerals, meteorites, and cultural artifacts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The museum's extensive collections indeed include a wide array of items such as fossils, minerals, meteorites, and cultural artifacts, among others.

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The NMNH employs fewer than 100 professional natural history scientists.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NMNH employs approximately 185 professional natural history scientists, making it the largest such group globally.

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Research at the NMNH is divided into seven departments.

Answer: True

Explanation: Research at the NMNH is indeed organized into seven distinct departments: Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Mineral Sciences, Paleobiology, and Vertebrate Zoology.

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The NMNH represents 10% of the Smithsonian Institution's collections.

Answer: False

Explanation: The National Museum of Natural History represents 90% of the Smithsonian Institution's total collections, not 10%.

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The museum's collection of plants contains over 4.5 million specimens.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NMNH herbarium houses over 4.5 million plant specimens, contributing significantly to its vast botanical collection.

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The museum houses approximately 500,000 cultural artifacts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The museum houses approximately 2 million cultural artifacts, not 500,000.

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The NMNH loans out over 5 million specimens annually.

Answer: False

Explanation: The NMNH loans out approximately 3.5 million specimens annually, not over 5 million.

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The museum's meteorite collection includes examples of every known type of meteorite.

Answer: True

Explanation: The NMNH's meteorite collection is highly comprehensive, containing examples of every known type of meteorite.

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Which of the following categories is NOT represented within the NMNH's extensive collections?

Answer: Contemporary art

Explanation: While the NMNH collections are vast and include fossils, meteorites, and cultural artifacts, contemporary art is not a primary category within its holdings.

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What is the primary significance of the NMNH's collection size?

Answer: It represents the largest natural history collection globally.

Explanation: The NMNH's collection size is significant because it is recognized as the largest natural history collection in the world.

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Approximately how many professional natural history scientists are employed at the NMNH, contributing to its global notability?

Answer: Approximately 185

Explanation: The NMNH employs approximately 185 professional natural history scientists, which is notable as it constitutes the largest such group globally.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as one of the seven research departments at the NMNH?

Answer: Geology

Explanation: While Geology is a broad field within the museum, the seven specific research departments listed are Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Mineral Sciences, Paleobiology, and Vertebrate Zoology. 'Geology' itself is not listed as a distinct department.

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Approximately how many insect specimens are held within the NMNH's collections?

Answer: 30 million

Explanation: The NMNH's entomology collection comprises approximately 30 million insect specimens.

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Approximately how many cultural artifacts are housed within the NMNH?

Answer: 2 million

Explanation: The NMNH houses approximately 2 million cultural artifacts.

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Signature Exhibits and Halls

The "Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely" exhibit was criticized for being overly political.

Answer: False

Explanation: The criticism leveled against the 'Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely' exhibit was not for being overly political, but for allegedly toning down discussions of global warming.

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The Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals displays over 350,000 minerals.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals indeed features over 350,000 mineral specimens within the National Gem and Mineral Collection.

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The Hall of Human Origins focuses on the development of larger brains and symbolic thought.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Hall of Human Origins indeed explores critical elements of human evolution, such as the development of larger brains and the emergence of symbolic thought.

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The Hall of Human Origins has been praised for its clear stance on human-caused global warming.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hall of Human Origins has faced criticism for allegedly downplaying the significance of human-caused global warming, rather than being praised for a clear stance.

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The Deep Time Exhibit features a Tyrannosaurus rex cast facing a Stegosaurus cast.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Deep Time Exhibit/Fossil Hall features a Tyrannosaurus rex cast facing a Triceratops cast, not a Stegosaurus.

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The Hall of Mammals houses the smallest collection of vertebrate specimens globally.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Hall of Mammals houses the largest collection of vertebrate specimens worldwide, not the smallest.

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The O. Orkin Insect Zoo is sponsored by a pest control company.

Answer: True

Explanation: The O. Orkin Insect Zoo receives sponsorship from Orkin, a prominent pest control company.

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The Sant Ocean Hall opened in 2008 and was the museum's first major renovation.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sant Ocean Hall opened in 2008, representing the museum's largest renovation since its initial opening in 1910, not its first major renovation.

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The Sant Ocean Hall includes a model of a giant squid.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among its displays, the Sant Ocean Hall features a model of a giant squid, alongside other marine life representations.

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The 'African Voices' exhibit focuses solely on ancient African civilizations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'African Voices' exhibit examines the diversity and global influence of Africa's peoples and cultures across time, not solely ancient civilizations.

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The 'Butterflies + Plants: Partners In Evolution' exhibit is a live butterfly pavilion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Butterflies + Plants: Partners In Evolution' exhibit is indeed a live butterfly pavilion, allowing visitors to observe these insects and their plant partners.

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The Bone Hall displays vertebrate skeletons grouped by geographic origin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bone Hall organizes vertebrate skeletons according to their evolutionary relationships, not by geographic origin.

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The Q?rius exhibit allows visitors to handle over 6,000 specimens and artifacts.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Q?rius exhibit provides visitors with the opportunity to handle over 6,000 specimens and artifacts within its interactive 'collection zone'.

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The Korea Gallery used traditional Korean carpentry to highlight cultural continuity.

Answer: True

Explanation: Traditional Korean carpentry was indeed employed in the Korea Gallery to underscore themes of cultural continuity and heritage.

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The Urban Bird Habitat Garden is located on the museum's upper level.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Urban Bird Habitat Garden is situated on the museum's lower level, not the upper level.

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The ceiling of the Baird Auditorium was constructed using the Romanesque vault technique.

Answer: False

Explanation: The ceiling of the Baird Auditorium was constructed using the Catalan vault technique, not the Romanesque vault technique.

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The American Institute of Architects considered the Baird Auditorium the museum's 'least significant interior space'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Institute of Architects actually referred to the Baird Auditorium as the museum's 'greatest interior space,' not its least significant.

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The 'Great Debate' concerning the size of the universe took place in the Baird Auditorium in 1920.

Answer: True

Explanation: The significant astronomical 'Great Debate' (Shapley–Curtis Debate) regarding the scale of the universe did indeed occur in the Baird Auditorium in 1920.

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The gallery section includes images of the old Hall of Dinosaurs but not the new configuration.

Answer: False

Explanation: The gallery section includes images of both the old and new configurations of the Hall of Dinosaurs, among other museum areas.

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What was the primary criticism leveled against the exhibit 'Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely'?

Answer: It was accused of toning down discussions of global warming.

Explanation: The main criticism against the 'Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely' exhibit was that it allegedly toned down discussions concerning global warming.

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What is the approximate number of mineral specimens displayed in the Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals?

Answer: 350,000

Explanation: The Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals displays approximately 350,000 mineral specimens.

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Which of the following represents a key element explored in the Hall of Human Origins?

Answer: The development of larger brains

Explanation: The development of larger brains is a key element explored within the Hall of Human Origins, alongside other aspects of human evolution.

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What criticism has the Hall of Human Origins faced concerning its content?

Answer: It allegedly downplays the significance of human-caused global warming.

Explanation: The Hall of Human Origins has faced criticism for allegedly downplaying the significance of human-caused global warming.

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In the Deep Time Exhibit/Fossil Hall, which dinosaur skeleton is positioned to face a Tyrannosaurus rex cast?

Answer: Triceratops

Explanation: Within the Deep Time Exhibit/Fossil Hall, a Triceratops skeleton cast is positioned to face the Tyrannosaurus rex cast.

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What is notable about the collection within the Hall of Mammals, regarding its size and scope?

Answer: It houses the largest collection of vertebrate specimens worldwide.

Explanation: The Hall of Mammals houses the largest collection of vertebrate specimens globally, exceeding the size of the next largest mammal collections by nearly double.

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Which company provides sponsorship for the O. Orkin Insect Zoo?

Answer: Orkin

Explanation: The O. Orkin Insect Zoo is sponsored by Orkin, a well-known pest control company.

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When did the Sant Ocean Hall open, and what is its significance in the museum's historical context?

Answer: Opened 2008, largest renovation since 1910.

Explanation: The Sant Ocean Hall opened on September 27, 2008, marking the museum's most substantial renovation since its initial opening in 1910.

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Which of the following is displayed within the Sant Ocean Hall?

Answer: A model of a giant Lion's mane jellyfish

Explanation: The Sant Ocean Hall features a model of a giant Lion's mane jellyfish among its marine exhibits.

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What themes does the 'African Voices' exhibit examine?

Answer: The diversity and global influence of Africa's peoples and cultures.

Explanation: The 'African Voices' exhibit examines the diversity, dynamism, and global influence of Africa's peoples and cultures throughout history, focusing on themes of family, work, community, and the natural environment.

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The 'Butterflies + Plants: Partners In Evolution' exhibit allows visitors to observe:

Answer: The intricate adaptations between butterflies and plants.

Explanation: This exhibit allows visitors to observe the intricate adaptations and co-evolutionary relationships between butterflies and plants over millennia.

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How are the vertebrate skeletons organized within the Bone Hall?

Answer: By evolutionary relationships

Explanation: Vertebrate skeletons in the Bone Hall are organized according to their evolutionary relationships.

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What specific feature of the Q?rius exhibit facilitates direct visitor interaction with museum items?

Answer: A 'collection zone' with specimens and artifacts to handle

Explanation: The 'collection zone' within the Q?rius exhibit allows visitors to directly handle over 6,000 specimens and artifacts.

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Which of the following was featured in the former Western Cultures Hall?

Answer: Ötzi the Iceman

Explanation: Ötzi the Iceman, a Copper Age mummy, was featured in the former Western Cultures Hall.

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What types of items were utilized in the Korea Gallery to convey its message regarding Korean traditions and influence?

Answer: Ceramics, photographs, ritual objects, and carpentry

Explanation: The Korea Gallery employed ceramics, photographs, ritual objects, and traditional Korean carpentry to communicate its message about Korean heritage and global impact.

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Where is the Urban Bird Habitat Garden situated within the museum complex?

Answer: In the lower level

Explanation: The Urban Bird Habitat Garden is located on the museum's lower level.

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What specific construction technique was employed for the ceiling of the Baird Auditorium?

Answer: Catalan vault

Explanation: The ceiling of the Baird Auditorium was constructed using the Catalan vault technique.

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Which significant astronomical debate occurred in the Baird Auditorium in 1920?

Answer: The Shapley–Curtis Debate on the size of the universe

Explanation: The Shapley–Curtis Debate, concerning the size of the universe, took place in the Baird Auditorium in 1920.

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Iconic Specimens and Philanthropic Support

Kenneth E. Behring donated $20 million to the NMNH in 1997 for modernization.

Answer: True

Explanation: Kenneth E. Behring's significant $20 million donation in 1997 was indeed intended for the modernization of the museum's facilities.

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The Victoria and Roger Sant family donated $15 million to endow the museum's new Ocean Hall.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Victoria and Roger Sant family's $15 million donation was instrumental in endowing the museum's new Ocean Hall.

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The 50th anniversary of the Hope Diamond's acquisition was celebrated in 2009.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indeed, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary of the Hope Diamond's acquisition by the museum, an event celebrated with a dedicated exhibit and new setting.

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The Hope Diamond, Star of Asia sapphire, and the Mona Lisa are famous gems housed at the NMNH.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Hope Diamond and the Star of Asia sapphire are indeed famous gems housed at the NMNH, the Mona Lisa is not a gem and is not housed at the museum.

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David H. Koch contributed $15 million towards the Hall of Human Origins.

Answer: True

Explanation: David H. Koch provided a substantial $15 million contribution towards the development of the Hall of Human Origins.

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The 'Wankel Rex' is the first complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton displayed at the museum.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Wankel Rex' holds the distinction of being the first complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton to be displayed at the museum.

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The 'Nation's T. rex' arrived at the museum in 2013 before the federal government shutdown.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Nation's T. rex' arrived at the museum in April 2014, after the 2013 federal government shutdown had concluded.

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Who made a $20 million donation in 1997 to aid in the modernization of the NMNH?

Answer: Kenneth E. Behring

Explanation: Kenneth E. Behring made a $20 million donation in 1997 specifically for the modernization of the museum.

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What significant milestone concerning the Hope Diamond was celebrated in August 2009?

Answer: Its 50th anniversary of acquisition by the museum.

Explanation: In August 2009, the museum celebrated the 50th anniversary of its acquisition of the Hope Diamond.

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Which of the following famous gems is housed within the National Gem and Mineral Collection?

Answer: The Hope Diamond

Explanation: The Hope Diamond is a prominent gem housed within the National Gem and Mineral Collection at the NMNH.

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What was the total cost of the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins, and what was David H. Koch's contribution?

Answer: $20.7 million total, $15 million contribution

Explanation: The David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins had a total cost of $20.7 million, with David H. Koch contributing $15 million.

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What is the significance of the 'Wankel Rex' specimen?

Answer: It is the first complete T. rex skeleton displayed at the museum.

Explanation: The 'Wankel Rex' is significant because it is the first complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton to be displayed at the museum.

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The 'Nation's T. rex' arrived at the museum in April 2014, following delays caused by what event?

Answer: The 2013 federal government shutdown

Explanation: The arrival of the 'Nation's T. rex' in April 2014 was delayed due to the 2013 federal government shutdown.

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Leadership and Personnel

Frank Talbot, director from 1989-1994, was the first American to direct the NMNH.

Answer: False

Explanation: Frank Talbot, director from 1989-1994, was the first Australian to direct the NMNH, not the first American.

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Cristián Samper previously led the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute before becoming NMNH director.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to his appointment as NMNH director, Cristián Samper served as the head of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

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The Baird Auditorium is named after the second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Baird Auditorium is named in honor of Spencer Fullerton Baird, who served as the second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

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Frank Talbot, director of the NMNH from 1989 to 1994, holds the distinction of being the first:

Answer: Australian appointed to the director role

Explanation: Frank Talbot, director from 1989-1994, was the first Australian to hold the position of director at the NMNH.

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Before assuming the directorship of the NMNH in 2003, Cristián Samper had previously led which institution?

Answer: The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

Explanation: Prior to becoming NMNH director in 2003, Cristián Samper led the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute.

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The Baird Auditorium is named in honor of which individual?

Answer: The second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution

Explanation: The Baird Auditorium is named in honor of Spencer Fullerton Baird, who served as the second Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution.

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