A Half Million Army Ants (Exhibition)

Exist Dates

1974 October 1 - 1974 October 29

Biographical or Historical Note

abstract

Exhibition. Opened in October 1, 1974 and closed October 29, 1974. Located in Section 12, Floor 2 in the Roosevelt Hall at the American Museum of Natural History. "A Half Million Army Ants," was an exhibition on the behavior patterns of the army ant of Panama.

Summary

"A Half Million Army Ants," was an exhibition on the behavior patterns of the army ant of Panama. The exhibit featured a 24-feet by 18-feet glass exhibit case into which the ants were placed along with sand, plants and feeding chambers. The purpose of the exhibit was to show these ants as they carry out their mass predatory raids and periodic migrations to new nesting sites. Dr. Howard R. Topoff, a research associate in the Animal Behavior Department at the Museum, lead the ant gathering expedition in Panama. Topoff was a former student of Dr. T.C. Schneirla, a pioneer of the developmental approach in psychology. Support for the exhibit was given by Mr. Arthur Ross. The exhibit, a "Museum Showcase Exhibit", was on view in the Roosevelt Hall, 2nd floor, of the American Museum of Natural History from October 1 through October 29, 1974.

Individuals and institutions involved in the creation of the exhibition: Howard R. Topoff; AMNH Department of Animal Behavior.

Sources

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, September 18, 1974. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

American Museum of Natural History Press Release, December 3, 1974. Departmental Records, 101; American Museum of Natural History Library Archives.

N.Y.Post, 2/21/75.

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Related Corporate, Personal, and Family Names

New York State Roosevelt Memorial.
Location of exhibition.

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