Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals Polish Academy of Sciences

The Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences (ISEZ PAN) was established in 1989 from the Department of Systematic and Experimental Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

Areas

biology

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Sorting soil samples to select small invertebrates – springtails (Collembola) were selected from these samples. This is one of the activities carried out at the Digitization Laboratory at the Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences.
Photo: Karolina Fok / Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences

However, the history of the Institute dates back to 1865, when the Physiographic Commission was established by the Krakow Scientific Society. At the same time, the Natural History Museum was founded under its original name, the Physiographic Museum. Today, the museum is an integral part of ISEZ PAN.

The Institute’s activities focus on taxonomic, phylogenetic, paleontological, biogeographical, and related research on the evolution and biodiversity of extant and fossil animals.

Exhibition at the Natural History Museum of the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences – contemporary invertebrate fauna. This exhibition aims to show the biodiversity of the modern insect world in comparison to fossil fauna, which is preserved in the form of inclusions in amber and rock imprints.
Photo: Karolina Fok / Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences

The second aspect of the Institute’s activity is the collection, storage, and sharing of scientific zoological collections. The ISEZ PAN’s Scientific Zoological Collection contains specimens collected regularly from the early 19th century to the present day. It is one of the two largest zoological collections in Poland and one of the most important collections in Europe (over 2.1 million specimens).

The dissemination of knowledge about the Institute’s scientific activities is mainly carried out by the ISEZ PAN Natural History Museum. The museum is actively involved in educating the public, including preschoolers and primary and secondary school students, by organizing numerous exhibitions, shows, and workshops.