MVZ Tissue Collection
The MVZ tissue collection contains approximately
11,000 mammal, 8,000 bird, and 20,000 herpetological tissue samples. Over 90%
of these samples have voucher specimens in the MVZ collections. The majority
of samples were preserved in the field in liquid nitrogen and are stored at
-75°C. However, the Museum also maintains a growing collection of
non-frozen tissues preserved in 95% ethanol or in buffer. In addition, DNA
obtained from traditional specimen material (e.g., skin, hair, feathers, toe
pads, bone) represents a potentially important resource for genetic studies.
Taxonomic and geographic representation of samples
in the collection primarily reflects the research interests of MVZ faculty,
research staff, and graduate students. Thus, the mammal tissue collection
is especially strong for New World rodents and bats, the bird collection is
dominated by New World passerines, and the herp collection is strongest in
New World and Old World salamanders, lizards, and snakes. Despite these
emphases, recent expeditions to Iran, Vietnam, China, and Russia have
resulted in significant acquisitions of new taxa. In addition, general salvage
of specimens by the Museum and local wildlife centers provides a major source
of new material for both non-passerine and passerine birds.
Click here
to query the MVZ database
Policy
on grants of tissue from the MVZ
|