living collections

Living collections are organized groups of living plants or animals maintained by institutions like zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and conservation centers. These collections serve multiple purposes: they help us study and understand species, support conservation efforts for endangered organisms, educate the public, and promote research. By carefully managing and preserving these living resources, institutions ensure that future generations can learn about biodiversity and the importance of protecting our natural world. Essentially, living collections are curated, living representations of Earth's biological diversity designed for education, research, and conservation.