For Scientists, Chunks of Whale Earwax Can Be Biological Treasure Troves.
Yes, whales have earwax and yes, we have 1,000 samples of it in our collection.
Like the rings of a tree, these waxy time capsules give scientists a timeline of data about a whale’s life and environment—opening up a whole new canal of ocean study.
This piece of whale earwax is among hundreds of rarely seen specimens and artifacts in #ObjectsofWonder, a new exhibition at our National Museum of Natural History. It explores the breadth, scope and splendor of the world’s most extensive natural history research collection and its surprising role in scientific discovery. The exhibition is open through 2019.
