--The Endurance of Mammals and Birds-- The diversity of mammal and bird life on Earth is proof of the bountiful nature of the Earth's ecosystem. The specimens presented here still convey something of the strength and endurance of these species. The diversity of creatures displayed illustrates the complexity of the natural world. What is needed to ensure the ongoing survival of different species and to avoid the threat of extinction? --Woodland Wonder-- Walking through fields and forests brings us in contact with nature. The Exploration Space - Woodland Wonder is a thicket of mixed trees which providing visitors the chance to discover mysteries of nature that are easy to overlook. Peer inside a nest; look under a fallen leaf; examine rocks and strata in the dry river bank. There are also Forest Specimen Cases for viewing. If you enjoy Woodland Wonder, why not go on your own exploration of nature? --Human Design and Creativity-- As civilization has evolved, curiosity has taken the form of a meticulous pursuit of knowledge. For instance, rough stone tools eventually were developed into precision machinery. The rapid progress of science has made our lives more convenient and comfortable; simultaneously creating new problems such as air and water pollution. This exhibit showcases some Japanese inventions from the Edo period onwards. As you can see from these inventions, Japanese culture maintains its unique identity and its close communion with nature, while at the same time having interaction with foreign cultures. An understanding of science and technology in Japan can help guide our future. --Hands-on Experiments-- Physical phenomena are happening all around us, all the time. Our lives are enriched by the tools and machines that harness these physical phenomena. This exploration space gives you the chance to see, hear, touch, and experiment with phenomena such as sound, light, force, motion, electricity, and magnetism. Play with the different exhibits and see if you can solve some of the mysteries of science in everyday life. --We are All Part of the Same Ecosystem-- The evolution of life on Earth has produced some 10 million different species. Although all the species share the basic characteristics of living organisms, each species has adapted in form and lifestyle to its own particular environmental circumstances. No species lives in isolation; our lives are intricately interwoven. We must never forget that we are but one part of the rich fabric of the ecosystem. --Solving the Mysteries of the Dinosaurs-- There is much to learn about dinosaurs. When did they first appear on Earth? What sort of creatures were they? Do descendents of dinosaurs walk the Earth today? In this exhibit, paleontologists from around the world tell us about what they know about dinosaurs. Some scientists believe dinosaurs had far greater mobility and were more sociable animals than previous research shows. For over 100 million years, dinosaurs roamed far and wide over the earth. The relatively limited time dinosaurs existed is a pivotal point in the evolution of life. --From the Earth's Origin through Human Existence-- Since their beginnings some four billion years ago, life forms have become increasingly diverse due to the ongoing process of environmental adaptation. Evolution involves an endless cycle of emergence and extinction of different species. Human beings, part of the mammal group which flourished following the demise of the dinosaurs, have acquired highly developed adaptive capabilities, thanks to superior dexterity and powers of reasoning. This adaptive capacity has enabled humans to extend their reach to all corners of the Earth. In this exhibit, you can trace the evolutionary path and learn how plants and animals have adapted to the changing environment. --The Universe, Matter, and the Laws of Physics-- The universe was created around 13.7 billion years ago and is still expanding. Our own solar system is part of the countless galaxies that making up the universe. An understanding of the universe, including the laws of physics by which it is governed, constitutes the basis of scientific knowledge. This knowledge has broadened our horizons and changed our perception of nature. But how much do we really know about how the natural world works? --Behind the Scenes at the National Science Museum-- The National Science Museum conducts fieldwork all over the world and, over time, has built-up an extensive collection. The intention of NSM scientists is to increase not only the quantity but also the quality of the collection through research activities. These activities make contributions not only in academia but also in society through educational and outreach programs. The sum total of the collection and the research is considered an intellectual asset. It belongs to everyone and it will be passed along to future generations. The museum activities are part of the foundation of natural science, enhancing general public interest and furthering an understanding of the sciences. On the Japanese Islands, with their complex and unique geological history, numerous species have repeatedly appeared, flourished, and become extinct. The evidence of these past lives entombed in layers of rock tells of this dynamic and changing history, from the time the Japanese land mass first split away from the continental margin to when it formed an archipelago. From a geochronological viewpoint, the Japanese Islands underwent　rapid fluctuations due to crustal movements, and these led to the formation of complex geological structures and a rich mountainous topography. The Japanese Islands have four distinct seasons and are strongly affected by monsoon and ocean currents. The complex topography and climate of the natural environment has given rise to diverse forms of life. Through the repetition of glacial and interglacial cycles dating back about 1.7 million years, the variety of these living organisms migrated from the continent to the Japanese Islands by crossing the strait, which had turned into land during the glacial stage. During the interglacial stage, when they were cut off from the continent by the ocean, these living organisms achieved their unique differentiation as they adapted to the transformation of the natural environment of the Japanese Islands, with its varied climate and complex topography. Around 40,000 years ago, our ancestors encountered a land rich in forests and oceans at the eastern edge of Asia, and they began to settle in the Japanese Islands. Thereafter, various other groups of people brought their distinctive cultures to the islands. These peoples came together while still maintaining particular aspects of their culture. Our ancestors skillfully interacted with the natural environment of the Japanese Islands through the invention of pottery, the cultivation of plants and other techniques. The people of the Japanese Islands have been sensitive in observing the richness and diversity of nature around them since the beginning of their history. Our daily life in harmony with nature has also enabled us to acquire uniqueness in manufacturing and industry. Tools, instruments, crafted objects and literature handed down from their own time to the present, demonstrate our activities in the fields of science and technology.